IPL spot-fixing: Mumbai cricketer Hiken Shah suspended for breaching BCCI’s anti-corruption code

Spot-fixing is one of the issues that the game is facing for some time and players involved in such practices don’t just land into trouble but also tarnish the sport’s image. Indian Premier League (IPL) is one such bookie’s paradise and players who have been involved in corrupt practices have been severely dealt with, and Hiken Shah’s case is no different.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday revealed the name of the Mumbai cricketer who had approached his fellow state teammate and Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) spinner Pravin Tambe to fix matches in the eighth edition of the tournament.

The cricketer in question is the 30-year-old left hander Hiken Shah and post revelation, the player has been suspended in any form of cricket until further notice by the board.

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Tambe, RR’s leg-spin bowler, had reported this incident to BCCI anti-corruption unit prior to the tournament and since then it was being investigated.

Post a detailed inquiry, Shah was found guilty of “committing breach of Articles 2.1.1; 2.1.2; and 2.1.4 of the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code for participants and recommended their provisions to the BCCI President.”

In a press release from BCCI, its President, Jagmohan Dalmiya said, “BCCI has zero tolerance for corruption in the game of cricket. We have and we will take swift action against such incidents to set a precedent and control the menace of corruption in the game. While placing the player under suspension, I have referred the matter to the disciplinary committee of the BCCI to take further action against the player involved.”

Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, Anurag Thakur, also spoke about the issue.

“This particular incident demonstrates that BCCI’s education policy against corruption is showing results, as the player approached was vigilant enough to report the matter to the ACU of the BCCI. Having said that, the fight against corruption is an ongoing battle and we will not leave any stone unturned. BCCI is committed to keep cricket corruption-free.”