Renowned Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who is currently representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, has reportedly informed the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about a potential ‘corrupt approach’ he received.
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, Siraj was approached by someone who wanted some insider information during the ODI series against Australia held in March. The report stated that the man was a driver from Hyderabad who was addicted to betting and had lost lots of money.
“It wasn’t a bookie who approached Siraj. It is a driver from Hyderabad who is addicted to betting on matches. He had lost huge money and approached Siraj for inside information. Siraj reported the approach immediately. The law enforcement authorities have nabbed the man. More details are being awaited,” a senior BCCI source told PTI.
It is worth mentioning that the BCCI adheres to a stringent code of conduct in regard to corrupt approaches. Any player or official who fails to report such an approach may face sanctions. Following the arrests of S Sreesanth, Ankit Chavan, Ajit Chandila and former CSK team principal Gurunath Meiyappan on spot-fixing charges, the BCCI has reinforced its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) protocols. Presently, each team has a designated ACU official who resides in the same hotel and monitors all the activities on the ground.
Notably, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan was suspended in 2019 for not reporting a corrupt approach during a tri-series held in early 2018, as well as during his participation in IPL later that year.
Siraj is currently amongst the top wicket-takers in the 16th season of the cash-rich league. He has taken 8 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 17.50. When it comes to RCB, the Faf du Plessis-led side are positioned at the eighth spot after losing three out of their five matches in the competition.
