Cricket, often referred to as the gentlemen’s game, has been marred by a recent scandal that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has charged eight individuals, including players, officials, and team owners, with various counts of corruption during the 2021 edition of the Emirates T10 League.
The allegations that have come to light concern cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The accused individuals include players, officials, and team owners. Two Indian team owners, Parag Sanghvi and Krishan Kumar Chaudhary, have been charged alongside a former Bangladesh Test batter, Nasir Hossain, and a batting coach named Sunny Dhillon. These charges relate to their alleged involvement in attempts to corrupt matches during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket League.
As the designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) appointed by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) for the tournament, the ICC issued a statement outlining the charges. It was stated that these charges pertain to attempts to corrupt matches in the tournament, although these attempts were fortunately disrupted.
The charges against the accused are serious and span various aspects of the Anti-Corruption Code. Parag Sanghvi, for instance, has been charged under Articles 2.2.1 and 2.4.6 of the Anti-Corruption Code.
Article 2.2.1 concerns placing bets on the results, progress, conduct, or other aspects of international and domestic matches. Meanwhile, Article 2.4.6 deals with failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with any investigation related to possible corrupt conduct under the code.
Krishan Kumar Chaudhary faces charges under Articles 2.4.5, 2.4.6, and 2.4.7 of the ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) code. Article 2.4.5 alleges that he failed to disclose, without unnecessary delay, full details of any incident or matter that could indicate corrupt conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code by another participant. These charges signify the severity of the allegations and the importance of transparency in such matters.
Sunny Dhillon, a relatively unknown batting coach, has been accused of attempting to fix matches. He faces charges under Articles 2.1.1, 2.4.4, and 2.4.6. These charges revolve around his alleged involvement in improper attempts to influence matches or aspects of matches in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021. Additionally, he is accused of not disclosing full details of any approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct.
Nasir Hossain, the former Bangladesh Test batter, was found guilty of failing to disclose to the DACO the receipt of a gift worth over USD 750, highlighting the importance of maintaining integrity in the sport.
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Six of the eight individuals charged, including three Indians, have been provisionally suspended pending further investigation. They have been given 14 days from the day of the charges to respond to the allegations, a critical period that will determine their future in the sport.
The organizers of the T10 tournament expressed their deep disappointment over the charges. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining the integrity of cricket and their zero-tolerance policy toward corruption. In a media release, T Ten Sports Management pledged to work closely with the ICC on future T10 tournaments to uphold the sport’s integrity.
