The arrival of Twenty20 cricket has revolutionized the game and given rise to the franchise-based leagues around the world. It has provided opportunities for new cricketers, especially those who play at remote venues. The T20 leagues have given players in such areas as well an opportunity to showcase their skills across the world, besides providing them financial stability.
Apart from all the benefits, there is another side of the coin, showcasing illegal aspects that occur during the league period. The growth of such leagues also exposes the cricketers to the bookies. Few cricketers get enticed by what they offer.
KPL (Karnataka Premier League) is a clear example of highlighting spot-fixing. On August 31, 2018, in the game between the Bangalore Blasters and Hubli Tigers in Mysore, the former batsman Vishwanathan was lured by bookmakers to perform below par. The Indian Express quoted the Bengaluru police as saying that Vishwanathan was asked to bat slowly and score less than 10 runs in 20 balls by bookies. He was arrested last week along with his bowling coach- Vinu Prasad, for receiving an amount of Rs 500,000 for “slow batting” during the match.
M Vishwanathan accepted the bookie’s demands by scoring 9 off 17 balls. That, however, did not affect his side in chasing the target of 118 and winning the match by six wickets eventually.
Indian Express quoted the Bengaluru Police as saying, “The change of bat and the lifting of the sleeves were pre-determined signals that had been agreed upon by the bookies and the player. Multiple bookies were involved in the fixing incidents and the names of several bookies have come up and they are being investigated.”
