In a startling development amid the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sounded an alarm to all the stakeholders, cautioning them about a Hyderabad-based businessman suspected of attempting to lure them into corrupt activities.Â
The warning, issued by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), targets team owners, players, coaches, support staff, and commentators, urging vigilance against an individual with alleged ties to bookies and a history of dubious dealings.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI has flagged concerns about this unidentified businessman, whose modus operandi reportedly involves befriending IPL participants through lavish gestures, including offering expensive gifts like jewelry and invitations to private parties. The ACSU believes the individual has been spotted at team hotels and matches, actively seeking to build relationships with key figures in the league.Â
Advertisement
Sources indicate that the businessman’s connections to punters and bookies, coupled with a documented record of involvement in corrupt practices, have raised red flags, prompting the BCCI to act swiftly to protect the integrity of the IPL. He has been approaching family members of the franchise owners, players, coaches, support staff, and commentators, offering to take them to jewelry stores and luxurious hotels.
The BCCI’s advisory emphasizes the need for all stakeholders to remain alert and report any suspicious approaches immediately. The ACSU has underscored that advancing technology has made it easier for corrupt elements to target cricketers, particularly through social settings like IPL parties, which are often attended by players, staff, and external figures.
Advertisement
Notably, IPL has already been rocked with betting and fixing controversies in the past like the 2015 suspension of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for two years (2016-2017) by the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee.
This was due to their officials, Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra, engaging in illegal betting during the 2013 season, which led to lifetime bans from cricketing activities for both individuals. There were also spot-fixing allegations against Rajasthan Royals’ players, namely S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan.
For Latest IPL 2025 UpdatesÂ
