CCB arrests Sudhendra Shinde in KPL match-fixing case

In the latest development in the Karnataka Premier League match-fixing saga, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) managing committee member Sudhindra Shinde on Wednesday.

Following the investigation, it was found that Shinde, along with Ali Asfak Thara, the owner of the Belagavi Panthers team, had fixed matches. On Tuesday, a team headed by CCB inspector Prakash had raided Shinde’s house in Domlur at 11 am. After more than three hours of search, the officials have found several pieces of evidence.

Sandeep Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police, said Shinde will be produced before the magistrate today and will be taken into police custody for further interrogation to check for the involvement of more people in the scandal.

Patil further added that Shinde was running a Rocket Club in Bengaluru for many years. Around 2017, Ali came and joined the club and started to sponsor it. That is when Ali and Shinde came in contact and started this whole network of match-fixing.

Shinde, a former Karnataka batsman, became the MC member in the Institutional Member category (Raichur zone) at the KSCA elections held on October 3. In this season of the KPL, Shinde was the coach of the Belagavi Panthers. He previously coached Bijapur Bulls, who have won the league twice (2015-16, 2018-19).

After making his Ranji Trophy debut in 2007, Shinde played 18 first-class matches (717 runs) and one List A game. The 39-year-old has coached the Karnataka U-19 and U-23 teams.

Shinde is the latest big name arrested in the fixing and betting scandal that’s rocked State cricket. After Ali was arrested, the CCB took former Karnataka captain and wicketkeeper CM Gautam and all-rounder Abrar Kazi to custody, leaving many shocked.

The KSCA has said it won’t conduct the T20 tournament until the investigation was completed.