The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has filed a petition with the country’s top court seeking to recognize match-fixing as a criminal offense. The board made the appeal to ensure tougher action against illegal bookmakers and corrupt players.
In its submission to the Supreme Court, the BCCI stated, “Match-fixing is a criminal act.” The board said the move was taken to protect the integrity and reputation of cricket. The report was confirmed by news agency AFP.
According to AFP, the BCCI mentioned in its written submission that, “If match-fixing is not declared a criminal offense, the integrity of the game will be severely damaged, and the foundation of fair competition will collapse.”
In the document filed with the court registrar on October 14, the BCCI clearly stated that preventing the spread of corruption in cricket has now become a matter of national interest.
Khabarwala/TSN
