Fixing claims disturbing, will take action against guilty: BCCI

The BCCI today termed the alleged spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League and other domestic competitions as "disturbing" and said it would take strict action against those found guilty of indulging in corrupt practices.

"The footage that was shown by the television channel was very disturbing," BCCI chief admisnistrative officer Ratnakar Shetty said. "There has been an immediate action proposed by the BCCI president, and strong action will be taken against those found to be guilty," he added.

The channel, India TV, claimed it had done a sting operation in which many IPL players confessed on hidden camera that they get much more than their prescribed auction under the table.

According to the channel, its operation also revealed that spot-fixing is not only prevalent in IPL but also that first class matches are fixed and women played an important role in match-fixing.

"We will not tolerate any such thing. BCCI has zero tolerance when it comes to corruption and dope related issues. These footage are very disturbing for the BCCI," said Shetty. Shetty also informed that BCCI president N Srinivasan has asked the television channel for the CD to see the "complete footage" of the 'sting operation' and examine it thoroughly.

"The Board has written a letter to the channel and has asked for the CD and get an access to whatever was displayed. The BCCI will fully inquire into the issue," he insisted.

Meanwhile, IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla also said that strict action will be taken against players involved in any act of corruption. "We have the meeting of the governing council at 1430 today. We will not tolerate any such activities and whatever report we recieve we will take very strict action. In the past also, BCCI has not spared anyone," Shukla said.

Asked if the ICC's anti-corruption has sought a report from the BCCI on this issue, Shukla said, "This is a domestic tournament, so the ICC doesn't ask for a report on this. But we have asked ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit to look into the matter."

Kings XI Punjab player Shalabh Srivastava, Mohnish Mishra of Pune Warriors, T P Sudhindra of Deccan Chargers and Amit Yadav of Kings XI Punjab were the players who were shown in the sting operation.