New Delhi: Shabir Hussein Shekhadam Khandwawala, new head of the BCCI’s anti-corruption unit, does not want to be legal in India because it “encourages” match-fixing and feels that his biggest challenge will eradicate “shady activities” from smaller leagues.
There is a mindset that legalizing betting will generate massive revenue for the government at a time when most of it goes unnoticed. But Khandwawala looks at it differently.
‘Whether the government is legally legal or not, that’s a different matter, but deep down, I feel like a police officer that betting can lead to match-fixing. “The government has so far rightly not legalized betting,” the 70-year-old said.
‘Betting encourages match-fixing. There should therefore be no change to this; we can make the rules stricter. We will work on that. It is a matter of great prestige that cricket is largely free of corruption. For that, credit must be given to BCCI. ”
According to outgoing BCCI head ACJit Singh, ACC, legalizing betting is another way to control in-game corruption.
Union Minister and former BCCI President Anurag Thakur also proposed legalizing underground gambling and gambling activities last year.
However, Khandwawala, a former DGP from Gujarat, feels differently about the subject.
‘Betting may be legal in some countries, but the people who go to stadiums to watch the match and then watch it on television believe in this match and do not think that the match can be corrected. We must protect their belief that gambling is free of all corruption. ”
While the game remains more or less clean at the highest level, corruption cases have come to light in the local and state T20 leagues. With the shortest format flourishing, Khandwawala said detecting and preventing ‘shady’ practices in these leagues would be the biggest challenge of his team.
“Our top players are paid so well that they are miles away from match-fixing. We should feel proud of that.
‘The eradication of corruption due to smaller gatherings and leagues is a big challenge and we need to put an end to it. We must ensure that nothing shady is played at all levels of cricket in the country. “Apart from detecting it, the prevention of shady activities is very important,” he said.
Khandwala feels that his love for the game should help him tremendously in this new role.
During my time as a police officer, I organized many (police) tournaments in Gujarat. I have loved the game since I was a child.
‘A lot of good work has been done in the past and I have to take it further. New players appearing on the scene are the most vulnerable. We must protect them. ”
Khadwawala’s first assignment at the BCCI is the IPL from 9 April.
Source: Telangana Today