Kolkata Knight Riders South African pacer Morne Morkel has reportedly alerted the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit of the Indian Premier League that he was approached by a ‘suspicious’ individual in Dubai and was uncomfortable in dealing with the person. The ACSU, which is an ICC watchdog, has so far refused to confirm this approach.
According to a report in the Times of India on Friday, the ACSU was also alerted about a suspicious woman who tried to enter a hotel in Dubai where the Rajasthan Royals players were staying. The ACSU is being led by Ravi Sawani and also has investigating officer Niranjan Singh Virk. Sawani’s team has been in UAE soon after BCCI decided to hold the first leg of the IPL in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
The ACSU team visits every match to monitor any suspicious moves that may lead to betting or match-fixing. It may be remembered that Sharjah was banned as a venue by India in 2000 after reports of match-fixing broke.
The IPL is already tainted by allegations of match-fixing and betting, and the Union Sports Ministry is also wary that the first leg of IPL 7 is again being played in a bookie-infested region. The BCCI, this time, has been extra careful but if Morkel’s reported allegation is found true, then it is clear that the bookies are not faraway.
