In a landmark decision underscoring the BCCI‘s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed a lifetime ban on a former co-owner of a Mumbai T20 League franchise Gurmeet Singh Bhamrah for making a corrupt approach to a player. The ban follows a detailed investigation and report submitted by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
Bhamrah was found guilty of attempting to corrupt the outcome of a match by using an intermediary to offer benefits to a player. According to the official findings, “Transcript of the conversation shows that Sonu Vasan offered money and other benefits to Bhavin Thakkar at the behest of the respondent. Upon meriting the entire offer that he made on behalf of the respondent, Sonu Vasan told Bhavin Thakkar whatever call Thakkar wishes to take in the matter, Vasan would relay it back to the respondent.”
Following the investigation, the ACU recommended the respondent be charged with multiple serious offenses under the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code: “Upon completion of investigation, ACU submitted its report and wherein it recommended that respondent be charged with Article 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.4.1 read with Article 2.5.1 and Article 2.5.2 of BCCI Anti Corruption Code for participants.”
The ACU also recommended strong disciplinary action under the code’s provisions: “ACU further recommended that appropriate orders may be passed against the respondent under the provisions of Article 4 and Article 5 of the Code.”
The BCCI Ombudsman has acted on these recommendations, issuing a lifetime ban that prevents the individual from participating in any cricket-related activities under the BCCI’s jurisdiction. This marks one of the strongest punitive actions in recent years at the domestic level and sends a clear message about the governing body’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
