The Indian Premier League (IPL) starting on April 4 has big stakes involved when it comes to betting racket.
The 76-match event is expected to garner business of around Rs 75,000 crore for the illegal betting syndicates.
Sources in the business said attempts are being made to fix matches by tapping vulnerable players. Despite all controversies, they said some top bookies still make attempts to buy out certain players by offering them big money to either bowl or bat poorly. "Batsmen are even offered big sums to get others run out," the bookie said.
The players who agree to be involved are paid anywhere between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 2 crore per match.
Bookies said that the popular modus operandi to approach players through a struggling Bollywood actor or model at parties, pubs or hotels. Once the player is trapped, he is made an offer for fixing matches in which he plays. "Besides the 'honey trap', players are also approached through socialites, who are into big-time betting and know the cricketers personally," they said, adding that the socialites, who often meet players at parties, make offers on behalf of bookies.
At times, the players are also approached through their close friends whom the bookies first involve in the racket. Match-fixing bookies generally meet foreign players in a third country to maintain secrecy.
{{/usCountry}}At times, the players are also approached through their close friends whom the bookies first involve in the racket. Match-fixing bookies generally meet foreign players in a third country to maintain secrecy.
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