Spot-fixing scandal is a disgrace to the whole nation: Kirti Azad

Kirti Azad

The Justice Mukul Mudgal-led committee, in its 170-page report to the Supreme court, has indicted Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief N. Srinivasan, for his alleged involvement in betting and spot-fixing offences during the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year.

Reacting to which, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former cricketer Kirti Azad on Monday said such incidents not only draw disrespect for the game but for the whole nation.

“These incidents not only disrespect the game but the nation as well. There is always news of rave parties, molestations, spot fixing and match fixing. Why do such incidents happen only in IPL and not in ODIs, T20s and first-class cricket?” asked Azad.

He added: “There are several corporate houses and film stars who want to be in news. Every franchise and film star wants to stay in news and controversy in some or the other way before their film releases and that is understandable. But cricket does not need controversies as the game in itself is a form of entertainment.”

The report has asked the court to consider the conflict of interest in Srinivasan holding the post of BCCI chief and also being the owner of the Chennai Super Kings. The court will now study the report and take a decision on March 7.

Taking the owners of the IPL teams to task, he said: “The politicians are then ones to blame because they use their power and might and hence the actual emphasis that should be there in the investigation are not there. They themselves become the judge and police and set up an internal enquiry. It is always the cricketers who are fined or banned but the owners are never caught. It should not be like that. The owners are equally involved and they should be investigated first and foremost.”

The committee has also stated that Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra was also involved in betting. The report says that the allegations against Kundra need to be further investigated.