Will it be India? Will it be Pakistan? Who lifts the Champions Trophy in yet another high-voltage encounter at the Oval, London on Sunday? It’s still a million dollar question.
But bookies say it is India which will have the last laugh. Currently, the odds are fixed at 1:3 for India and 1:6 for Pakistan. This means, a man betting Re 1 on India will get Rs 3 if India wins, while he will get Rs 6 if Pakistan wins.
“There is heavy betting in India’s favour this time, considering the team’s abilities and the past performances against Pakistan,” a bookie who served in the police department said. “Money is running high on Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, M S Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, and on Mohammed Amir, who is expected to emerge as highest wicket-taking bowler in the final,” says N G Kishore, who was a bookie in the past.
According to him, Bengaluru city alone is likely to register betting close to Rs 250 crore on Sunday.
Bookies say many of their customers have bet that India would win the toss and field first. There are predictions that India would cross 300 runs if it bats first, while it will restrict Pakistan within 275 runs if Pakistan bats first.
There is a heavy demand for betting on the total number of extras in the form of wides and no-balls. This time around, people are willing to bet even on the number of catches, stumps and direct hits, bookies say.
CCB sleuths are closely watching the betting scenario and have decided to conduct raids based on alerts.
“We are extremely watchful during the cricketing season. We will raid places where betting takes place on Sunday,” Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravi told DH.
The police are taking the help of cyber police personnel as bookies use laptops equipped with two softwares BET FARE and CRIC BUZ for fastest calculations and mathematical analysis.
The police formed special teams after the IPL T20 cricket matches began in April. The teams are giving special attention to lodges and newly built single-bedroom houses and flats.
The CCB sleuths have arrested 25 persons for cricket betting and have seized cash and valuables worth over Rs 30 lakh since January, 2017.
Published 17 June 2017, 18:54 IST