In yet another black day for Indian cricket, three Rajasthan Royal players, S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested by the Delhi police on the charges of spot fixing in the ongoing Season 6 of IPL.
Speaking to the media persons, the Delhi police chief Neeraj Kumar said they have arrested 3 Rajasthan Royals players and 11 bookies and their assistants on the charges of spot fixing. As per the police, the players agreed to give a minimum amount of runs in their respective overs and gave signals like taking out locket from shirt, taking out shirts and vests that they were wearing, putting towel into trousers etc.
Three matches are under scanner for the alleged match fixing:-
1) May 5 – Pune Warriors India vs Rajasthan Royals
Ajit Chandila gave away 14 runs in his second spell but he failed to give signals and thus there was a fight to return the money. Rs 20 Lakh were paid as advance to Chandila.
2) May 9 – Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab Match
In this match, S Sreesanth signaled the bookie by putting a towel in his trousers and he gave away 13 runs.
3) May 15 – Rajasthan Royal vs Mumbai Indians.
Ankeet Chavan was paid Rs 60 lakh to give 14 or more runs in his over.
Some reports suggested the involvement of Australian Shaun Tait, but police found no evidence against him.
As soon as the news spread, fans and cricketers expressed shock over the alleged involvement. BCCI president N Srinivasan assured strict action against the guilty and BCCI has suspended these players till further notice.