A sting operation by a TV channel has reportedly showed some domestic cricketers playing in the IPL confessing to taking "under the table" payments made to them by IPL franchisees, apart from their prescribed auction amounts, to retain them for their teams.
India TV, the news channel, claims that the Kings XI Punjab fast bowler Shalabh Srivastava has demanded Rs. 1 million to bowl a deliberate no-ball during an IPL game.
Another player T Sudhindra from Deccan Chargers has revealed that he bowled a no-ball in last year's first class match and is said to have assured that he will change his team in future if he was paid INR 6 million (Rs 60 lakhs).
The news channel also claimed that Mohnish Mishra, playing for Pune Warriors India, admitted that he got INR 14 million ( Rs 1.45 crore) from its owner Sahara, whereas according to BCCI rules, he was in the Rs. 30 lakh slab.
Meanwhile, the Kings XI Punjab player Shalabh has denied all accusations and maintains that he is innocent.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Shalabh said: "I fail to understand whatever is being said about spot-fixing. Also if they (a TV channel) are showing all the video clips, why aren't they showing the clip where allegedly I am demanding Rs. 10 lakh. The voice in that telephonic conversation is not mine. It is very easy to frame anyone with a doctored audio clip.
He also said the reporters who called themselves sports managers should have spoken to around 15 players regarding better offers from other franchises.
"And it's not only me. They must have met around 50 players from the IPL and I must have spoken to approximately 15 players about them," he told NDTV.
Shalabh also said that he will take legal action against the TV channel.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has said that it will examine the footage of the sting operation.
"Some TV channels have been reporting a story pertaining to alleged unacceptable practices by players participating in the IPL. The BCCI will not tolerate any violation of regulations and any act of corruption," said BCCI Honorary Secretary Sanjay Jagdale in a press statement.
"The complete footage of the 'sting operation,' will be sought, and examined thoroughly. The GC will meet on an emergent basis to review the footage and take appropriate strict action," he said.
BCCI President N Srinivasan has called for an emergency meeting in the afternoon on Tuesday in the wake of the spot-fixing reports.
(With inputs from IBNS)
