Has cricket reached a worrying new low? A disturbing development has surfaced, with CricBlogger learning that an upcoming IPL cricketer has allegedly become the victim of a blackmail scheme involving the secretary of a prominent cricket board official.
According to sources, the player was allegedly asked to pay a commission in exchange for assistance in securing an IPL contract. However, after the cricketer reportedly refused to comply, the secretary is said to have turned to blackmail tactics.
Sources further claimed that when repeated attempts failed to get a response from the player, the secretary allegedly teamed up with a reporter to expose details related to the cricketer’s personal life on social media.
The controversy is also believed to be linked to the recent surge of speculation and rumours surrounding IPL players online, apart from another separate incident involving an IPL cricketer’s girlfriend allegedly sharing sensitive information with outsiders.
When CricBlogger attempted to contact board officials for clarification, no response was received.
This is not the first time allegations regarding money-for-selection practices in cricket have emerged. However, the reported involvement of a secretary linked to a board representative has added a new dimension to the controversy.
There have also been longstanding allegations in domestic cricket of players giving up portions of their match fees or financial benefits in order to secure opportunities at the state level.
With concerns over such alleged practices growing, the matter is understood to have been discussed extensively within IPL franchise circles and among team managements.
“The involvement of unwanted people around cricketers will have to stop somewhere,” a source said.
It is also believed that the board has begun taking preventive measures. Fresh guidelines, including stricter dos and don’ts for players and franchises, have reportedly been circulated to reduce the risk of blackmail attempts and unauthorised external influence.
Sources further indicated that a section within the Board of Control for Cricket in India believes players should immediately report such approaches, especially when outsiders seek sensitive or confidential information.
