On Wednesday, the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit announced to launch an inquiry into an alleged bribery scandal discovered by a sting operation performed by a Hindi news channel News 1, which claimed that the personal assistant of the IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla has asked for bribes to give a spot in the team.
News 1 telecast an alleged phone conversation between Akram Saifi, an executive assistant of Shukla, and cricketer Rahul Sharma in which Saifi is heard seeking favors in “cash and kind” to ensure Sharma’s selection in the state team. Shukla is currently the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) Secretary.
As quoted in PTI, talking about the case BCCI’s ACU chief, Ajit Singh said, “We have taken note of the sting and will examine the entire matter. We will be asking the channel for the audio and also examine the player involved. Until we speak to the people involved, it is difficult to say anything as of now.”
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Sharma yet finds a spot in UP’s state team. He has alleged that Saifi sought bribes and even some sexual favors to ensure his selection in the team. He has also accused Saifi of issuing fake age certificates. However, Saifi has denied all the charges. He said, “The boy says he sent a girl to me. If his allegations are true, then he should have played cricket, right? Did he? No. His allegation would have been proven had he played for UP. Never once has his name appeared in the 60-player list of UP, neither has he played any junior cricket,”
Dismissing the charges of corruption in the selection, UPCA’s Joint Secretary, Yudhveer Singh said, “We are open to any inquiry. We follow a very transparent selection process at the UPCA. I can’t comment on the conversation between the two as it is their personal matter. I have checked about Rahul Sharma and found out that he has never even been a part of the state probables. He has no credibility.”
Shukla has not yet reacted to the allegations while the BCCI sought to steer clear of any association with Saifi even though it admitted that his salary is paid from the Board’s funds.
Talking about his defense, Akram said, “The truth will come out soon, I’m associated with such a big man (Shukla) so it’s natural that people will attack me from all corners. This is done by dissatisfied people, including those close to me. Yeh pura ek khel hai bahut logon ka. There is a group of some 15-odd people who were involved in this. Why’s this allegation come now if the incident dates back to 2015? Why is he coming out in public in 2018?”
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Former India player and UP captain Mohammad Kaif said the allegations have stunned him and demanded a probe into the matter. He tweeted, “Shocked to hear about the extent of corruption in UP Cricket. Young talent being curbed by corrupt agents asking for favours. Hope @ShuklaRajiv ji ensures a fair investigation and justice to the young talent & helps restore UP Cricket. I stand by all those who have been exploited.”
Shocked to hear about the extent of corruption in UP Cricket. Young talent being curbed by corrupt agents asking for favours. Hope @ShuklaRajiv ji ensures a fair investigation and justice to the young talent & helps restore UP Cricket.I stand by all those who have been exploited
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 19, 2018
Kaif, who recently retired from all cricket, had captained UP to its maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2005-06 season.
Apart from Kaif, UP pacer RP Singh also expressed his concerns regarding the case. He tweeted, “Corruption has been the root cause for the sad state of UP cricket and it stands exposed today. Shame that the future of young talent and UP cricket is compromised for personal gains. Hope fair investigation would help restore the dignity of the sport to its former glory.”
Corruption has been the root cause for the sad state of UP cricket and it stands exposed today. Shame that the future of young talent and UP cricket is compromised for personal gains. Hope fair investigation would help restore the the dignity of the sport to its former glory.
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) July 19, 2018
