The upcoming Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan has become overshadowed by a scandal involving alleged corruption in Indian cricket. Coaches associated with prominent players like Rohit Sharma and Virender Sehwag have come forward with explosive claims. They allege a system where players must pay substantial bribes to secure a spot in the team. This information was obtained through a covert investigation.
At the heart of the scandal is the practice of demanding money for domestic cricket participation. The reports indicate that several players have been victimized. Anurag Kumar, Rohit Saini, and Vicky were allegedly asked to pay exorbitant amounts for playing in the Ranji Trophy. Anurag was allegedly extorted for 20 lakhs, Rohit for 15 lakhs, and Vicky for 18 lakhs. These players filed complaints with different police stations in Delhi in December of the previous year.
When the case went to court, the accused agreed to refund Vicky’s money, and they have returned 13 lakh rupees over the last nine months. However, Rohit and Anurag haven’t received any money. Anurag Kumar, Rohit Saini, and Vicky narrated their ordeal, explaining how they were approached during a cricket tournament in Mau, Uttar Pradesh. Sangharsh Anand contacted them, claiming he could get them into the Bihar Ranji team. Anand then created fabricated documents for the players and arranged for them to participate in a few matches organized by the Bihar Cricket Association.
The players assumed Anand was assisting them based on their performance. Anand then told them that he would ensure their selection in the Bihar Ranji team, collecting 20 lakh rupees from Anurag, 15 lakh rupees from Rohit, and 18 lakh rupees from Vicky. Vicky, a fast bowler, stated in his police complaint that Sangharsh Anand and Saras Anand brought him to Bihar to play the Heeman Trophy, where he played in matches.
Later, Sangharsh and Saras facilitated a conversation between Vicky and a member of the Bihar selection board. Following this, Vicky paid 18 lakh rupees. Yet, the individuals then failed to keep their word, and they stopped taking his calls. When the players applied pressure, they received death threats. It’s been reported that several individuals are constantly seeking opportunities to extort money from players. One name that emerged is Nabam Guniya from Arunachal Pradesh, a former selector for Arunachal Pradesh cricket and currently a secretary of a district within the Arunachal Pradesh Cricket Association.
Investigations revealed that Nabam Guniya’s relatives hold significant positions in the association. According to reports, Nabam Guniya takes 25 lakh rupees from players to get them to play two Ranji matches. This widespread corruption involves more than just players and agents. Notable cricket coaches share the view that money and influence are essential for team selection.
AN Sharma, the former coach of Virender Sehwag, said that in the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), money openly changes hands for selections. To get your son into the under-19 team, you need around 15-16 lakh rupees. Bribes are also necessary for playing in the playing eleven. Madan Sharma, the coach of Shikhar Dhawan, said that talent is not the only factor in DDCA selection.
He cited the case of a player who was the best performer in Delhi during the previous season but wasn’t included in the under-16 team. Randhir Singh, the coach of Yuzvendra Chahal and Pawan Negi, revealed his experience with Pawan Negi. He mentioned a player who was selected for the World Cup team but not included in the state team. Pawan Negi was part of the World Cup and Asia Cup teams but didn’t get selected for the state’s Ranji team during the same season. Randhir Singh and Madan Sharma emphasize that cricket is currently dominated by recommendations and corruption.
Shravan Kumar, who coached Ishant Sharma, pointed out that only those with financial resources can succeed in cricket. He claims that in the past, competition in Delhi was tough, and the best players were selected. However, this has changed. Selections for under-16, 17, and 19 teams now require payments of 15-25 lakh rupees.
Rohit Sharma’s coach, Dinesh Lad, said that Rohit Sharma himself became a victim of this corruption. He mentioned that the Kalpesh Koli tournament is organized in Mumbai for under-16 selections. Although Rohit Sharma was chosen for the Borivali team, the coach did not give Rohit a chance to play to ensure his preferred player got selected. Consequently, Rohit’s dream of playing in the under-16 team was ruined.
However, Rohit was fortunate, as the BCCI later moved this tournament from under-16 to under-17, giving Rohit Sharma another opportunity. He excelled and was recognized as the best player. Dinesh Lad believes that money also plays a significant role in selection in Mumbai, but no one can speak out since any protest could end their career.