IPL match fixing is hidden under the cloak of darkness. It has always happened and will continue to happen in the dark night of cricket. Well, not anymore! This article will unveil everything from shady bookies, match-fixing techniques, to how both players and officials can be bribed. Will you learn about how it’s done? Probably not; but at least your eyes will be opened up on this topic!
Cracking the code on IPL match fixing
Cricket is a game loved by billions all over the world. Millions of people will travel for a day to be lucky enough to witness something extraordinary – the magic that is seen and felt in cricket. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Same as any other sport, there exists an ugly side of this wonderful game – match fixing!
Brick and mortar bookies have been in place for years as betting houses – providing an element of anonymity when betting on cricket games. However, with the advent of online betting, private bookies have given way to online match-fixing networks such as Bet365, Betfair etc. The online betting has offered a bigger platform for bookies – and they take full advantage of it, providing a simple to use platform for gamblers.
The growth of online gambling has grown a whole new breed of gamblers and punters – which include ex-cricketers, conmen, bookies, criminals and even players who are currently playing international cricket. Since cricket is easily accessible from anywhere in the world with internet connection, the online betting market has boomed in recent times. And match fixing is growing too!
IPL match fixing – The art of bribing players and officials for information about upcoming matches or even to get involved into the game itself.
To understand match fixing, we must first understand how the system works. Players, the officials and the bookies have their own roles to play in this underground world of odd betting. Following are a few things you need to know :
Bribery
The player who is willing to be involved in IPL match fixing will seek out contact from a bookie or cricket conman. A bribe will be offered by the conman for information about upcoming matches – such as pitch conditions, weather forecast etc for betting purposes. Once an agreement has been made between the two parties, a ‘working relationship’ will commence with frequent communications between them via text messaging or phone calls. This is where the money comes in – and this is where the trouble begins.
Money-changing hands
Once the conman has gained a player’s trust, he may involve him in fixing matches for money. Money will be provided to the player either as a cash advance or by using another method of payment such as using ‘match-fixing’ experts to buy fake tickets or even send him fake ‘betting referrals’. Once the payment has been made, he will receive an amount of cash or have access to an online betting account via phone. What’s next? The match-fixing is done! The rest is just details.
Players involved in match fixing
But who can be bribed? A player who is currently playing an international game and is also part of the national team. To be a true international player, he must have played at least 35 matches (minimum) – and these 35 matches must have taken place in at least 4 different countries. If he doesn’t meet this criteria, his participation in IPL match fixing will create a lot of suspicion which may result in his expulsion from the national team.
In addition to this, a player may not be involved in match fixing if he has already been caught for any kind of offence – including spot-fixing or betting.
Officials involved in match fixing
Same as with the players, a few criteria must be met for a person to become an ‘official’ of match-fixing. Firstly, the person must have played at least 35 matches at the highest level. He must also be an international player who has represented his country at least twice. But where is the money coming from? A fixer doesn’t need to be an international cricketer; but he must still meet these criteria – and he will handle all money transactions.
A fixer will be approached by a conman or player who is willing to fix matches. He will then arrange the match-fixing event by using a phone call or text message. Once he has been given the green signal. He will arrange a meeting with the briber and conman and they will finalize the deal. However, there is no guarantee of success when it comes to fixing matches. So this is where big money comes in!
Cricket players and officials can earn a lot of money by getting involved with match fixing; but at what cost? It may not seem like much, but every small ‘bet’ that goes against you can result in losing a lot of money.
In the meantime, there is no guarantee that a player will be picked for the national team if he is involved in match fixing. Even though it is only a few matches, these few matches may just ruin his career.
The dark world of cricket match-fixing
IPL match fixing in cricket is a serious offence, and any person found guilty of it can lose his career. In addition to this, he will also be punished by the ICC for violating the anti-corruption code. However, if not dealt with properly, there are chances of it becoming a major problem; which is why cricket officials need to be more vigilant in dealing with people who are involved in IPL match fixing.
In the past, many players have been accused of match fixing. Some of them are : Hansie Cronje, Mohammad Azharuddin and Salim Malik. These players were banned for their involvement in match-fixing; where they accepted money from bookies for giving out information about upcoming matches.
The dark side of this game is growing at an alarming rate. As more and more people are becoming involved in match fixing. In fact, according to a report published in 2010. Indian bookie Sanjeev Chawla was caught by the Delhi Police. Because for running a big betting ring on the India v England series in the ’92-’93.
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