Players involved in IPL spot-fixing
The Indian Premier League began in 2008 with lot of gala and a reputation of being the first league to boast of a huge mix of International players. T20 cricket was still in its honeymoon period and the emergence of the IPL was viewed with sceptic eyes at the time.
However, an iconic 158 by New Zealand batsman, Brendon McCullum, in the inaugural match of the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders silenced all the doubters and drew fans to the stadiums.
As is the case with all leagues, lot of money is thrown around which attracts bookies who try to rope in players to fix/spot fix matches to change results to favour their betting.
IPL is not immune to such controversies, although surprisingly, it withstood almost four years before the first betting controversy came to light. When some of the richest in the country own franchises, a lot of cash flows for each and everything associated with the IPL. From cheerleaders to after match parties to umpteen promotions, money dominates the talk for anything IPL related.
Here we take a glance at players who were involved in betting scandals in the IPL.
#5 Ankeet Chavan
A former Mumbai cricketer and Rajasthan Royals IPL player, Ankeet Chavan was accused and arrested with spot-fixing charges by Delhi Police in 2013. As per Delhi Police, the left-handed all-round spinner was offered an amount worth Rs. 6 million (US$89,000) if he agreed to concede 14 runs in his team's IPL match against Mumbai Indians on 15th May 2013.
Chavan conceded 15 runs in one over of his spell. He has been suspended from cricket since September, 2013 by BCCI.
He was granted bail soon after being put in Tihar jail, for his marriage, but wasn't relieved of the charges until July 2015 when the Delhi Court removed all charges levied against him.
"I am looking forward to playing cricket. I'm taking it step by step. It was tough for me. It was a tough time but I got through with support from family and friends. I'm sure I will be back to cricket again," Ankeet had said as quoted from TOI, after the verdict.
Chavan has played 13 IPL matches, taking 8 wickets with a best of 2/23. His major breakthrough season in first-class cricket came in 2012/13 when he was Mumbai's best bowler on show, while contributing immensely with the bat as well.