Table of Contents
T20 tournaments across Uttar Pradesh drew the attention of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), as there were suspicious activities linked to illegal betting firms that could risk the careers of the young cricketers.
To provide aspiring cricketers with proper platforms, there are multiple T20 cricket leagues across Uttar Pradesh in the format of top-tier franchise leagues. On paper, plans to organize district leagues sound amazing, as they could help the budding talents to show their skills in front of a larger audience. But the question is, how have the district T20 leagues been running?
Real money betting activities are prohibited in India
It is alleged that these leagues are linked with a suspected online betting network, where real money can be involved. As real money betting apps, websites, networks, and all activities are strictly prohibited in India, the district franchise leagues could also dive into serious trouble in the future.
As there is no formal complaint against such possible illegal activities, the state cricket association is restricted from taking action, but UPCA is keeping its eyes on the leagues. The district leagues are organized in Kanpur, Ayodhya, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut and Ghaziabad.
To position themselves as brands, these district leagues are reportedly following a pattern like players’ auction in expensive hotels ahead of a season, trials of cricketers, team branding, live telecast, sponsorships, like any other top brand T20 tournaments across the globe. It is alleged that some sponsors or their associated companies were linked to online betting platforms.
“While the leagues are projected as professional exposure opportunities for budding cricketers, the real financial gains are being generated through betting activity around the matches,” an office-bearer of a cricket association told the Times of India.
Allegation against event management companies
Another office-bearer of a district cricket body claimed that the suspicious activities involving illegal betting websites are conducted through event management companies.
“District league event companies work like agents of betting companies. They connect with district associations to organize district premier leagues, bring sponsors and handle hosting plans. Some sponsors also have sister companies involved in online betting. This is a planned operation, and the same event company is involved in holding multiple district leagues,” the official said.
Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association is monitoring the situation
Due to the professional nature of these leagues, regional cricketers are easily attracted to these tournaments. Cricketers who are dreaming of playing for top-tier franchise leagues, including the Indian Premier League, prefer to take part in the district leagues.
If they perform well in these regional leagues, then they could get a chance to earn a contract from the UP T20 League, and from the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, the next stop could be the Indian Premier League- this is the projected path for the aspiring cricketers in Uttar Pradesh who play in the district leagues or are willing to take part in these tournaments. Their careers could be at risk if involvement in illegal activities is proven.
“District leagues are becoming a serious concern for UPCA. Whether it is irregularities surrounding District Premier League trials or complaints of online betting, such issues from some districts have come to our notice. However, no formal complaint has been received so far,” UPCA secretary Prem Manohar Gupta stated.
