Uttar Pradesh cricketers switch off in fixing fallout

Is it just coincidence or strategy that most Uttar Pradesh cricketers who were part of the T20 league have changed their mobile numbers? According to sources, they have taken such a step to avoid the police, who have reportedly been monitoring their cell phone conversations since the spot fixing scandal came to the fore. Sharad Deep reports.

Is it just coincidence or strategy that most Uttar Pradesh cricketers who were part of the T20 league have changed their mobile numbers?

HT Image

According to sources, they have taken such a step to avoid the police, who have reportedly been monitoring their cell phone conversations since the spot fixing scandal came to the fore.

“Abhi kuch teek nahi chal raha hai, is liye purana number band kar diya hai aur father ka number use kar raha hoon (things are not going well, so I’ve switched off my old number. I’m using my father’s phone for now),” a young player told HT.

He said all his colleagues have stopped talking to each other as they were worried their phone calls are being tapped by investigative agencies. “I have never done anything wrong, but you know while talking on phone you may say something that can be misunderstood by others.”

The UP police have handed over all information to the Delhi and Mumbai police, said a state intelligence department official.

IG (Law and Order), RK Vishwakarma, said: “Our operation against betting and bettors is still on.

After a big catch in Varanasi last week, we have unearthed a racket in Rampur.”

Those arrested at Rampur had placed bets on Champions Trophy matches. “It’s not just cricket, people nowadays bet even on Pakistan elections and the first day income of a Bollywood movie. Betting is everywhere.”