“We have got an integrity officer attached with every team this time”

Image courtesy of: The Indian Express

Interim Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sunil Gavaskar has revealed that two Indian Premier League (IPL) players were approached by illegal bookies and have subsequently reported it to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).

Gavaskar also hinted that this was not the first time players had been approached during the ongoing season.

“There have been a couple and it has been reported to ACSU,” he said. “They are looking into it.”

Gavaskar also stated that players being approached by bookies has become a huge problem since it has begun spreading to tournaments all around the world.

The legendary Indian batsman added that the leaking of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum’s statement to the ICC is a huge concern as well.

“I can assure you that the leak did not come from the IPL,” he said. “I don’t know where it came from. It’s an issue to be concerned [about]. I’ve to say we have got an integrity officer attached with every team this time. It has made it a lot easier for players to communicate.

“Sometimes players didn’t know what to do. Okay, there was a number to contact. But a lot of people [players] were thinking if you contact it, does your number come under their list. The anonymity and confidentiality aspect was something the players were not sure about.

“Now with the integrity officer attached to every team, it has become a lot easier. If there has been an approach, people go and tell the officer so that he takes it forward.”