Top Indian Cricketer Was in Touch With a Bookie: IPL Investigator

IPL investigator Misra told Indian Express that though he had evidence, he needed more time to probe it properly.

Image used for representational purpose. 

(Photo: The Quint)

One of the most high-profile Indian cricketers, who was also a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, was allegedly in touch with a known bookie ahead of an international match during the 2008-09 season, according to a report in The Indian Express. A senior police investigator, who was appointed by the Supreme Court, said there was a purported recorded conversation between the two and the bookie was willing to provide him evidence before backing out at the last moment.

The police officer in question, BB Misra, who was the lead investigator in the Indian Premier League corruption probe in 2013, told the Indian Express that lack of time was the main reason why he couldn’t crack the case. He had spoken to the bookie only days before his deadline for submission of the report to the apex court and since it was not part of his charter, he couldn’t pursue it religiously.

Speaking on the alleged player-bookie chat in 2008-09, Misra told the Indian Express: “There is one such instance related to an international match that was played in India. But I could not probe that instance to its logical conclusion. That is what I am suggesting. This thing happened during an international cricket match, probably in the run-up to the match. Just a day or two before the match. It happened in 2008-09.”

Misra explained that though he had the evidence – a phone chat – he needed more time to probe it properly. The whole thing also not falling under his purview complicated the matter further.

It would have taken a lot more time (beyond) 31 October. There are two voices on the telephone. Allegedly one is that of the player and the other one is of the bookie. If I have to investigate, I have to take voice samples of the player and the voice samples of the bookie. Send it for forensic opinion. That takes a month. And then, why do I have to do it when it was not part of my charter? It could have been done if we had more time. The bookie did say he was in touch with the player.

BB Misra to The Indian Express

Misra declined to name the player, though he said that he would have confronted him, but such was the nature of his evidence that he couldn’t pursue it further.

I would have confronted the player with the information I got from the bookie. But (that) evidence didn’t come from the bookie though I knew the evidence existed, I could not pursue it. I knew of this specific instance where the bookie had confided in somebody else, I got that information, the bookie accepted that information before me also, he was willing to give the evidence but in the last minute he decided not to.

BB Misra to The Indian Express

Misra’s charter also ensured that this incident never saw the light of the day and reached its legal conclusion.

I had to focus on the allegations against N Srinivasan (former BCCI president), Gurunath Meiyappan, Raj Kundra and Sundar Raman (former IPL COO). I think it was very focused and looked into these four. The allegations on the players (nine) were also looked into.

BB Misra to The Indian Express

Misra became a part of the IPL probe on the Supreme Court’s insistence after Justice Mudgal, in his first report, mentioned several cases of suspected sporting fraud.

Justice Mudgal made sure all the names were put in a sealed cover and submitted that to the court. Misra was tasked with following the leads against 13 suspects – four officials and nine players.

Enough allegations were made against the players. Nine players, not just one. We investigated both. Only thing is that the investigation related to the four officials has been made public.

BB Misra to The Indian Express

During his four-month probe from mid-June to October 31, 2014 Misra questioned over 100 people, including 30 players and top officials. His findings were part of Justice Mukul Mudgal’s final report that was submitted to the Supreme Court.

Misra’s findings on the players remains with the court.