BCCI suspends official in view of bribery scandal

An enquiry has been launched against a member of Rajeev Shukla’s personal staff after alleged bribing case. After a sting operation, it has come to notice that the member sought bribes in return to facilitate the players in their selection. It has also been revealed that players who were giving bribes to make their place belongs from Uttar Pradesh.
An alleged phone conversation has already been surfaced after a Hindi news channel telecasted that.

The viral phone call has been taken place between Akram Saifi, an executive assistant of Shukla, and cricketer Rahul Sharma.

It can be clearly heard that Akram Saifi is asking for favours in the form of “case and kind” to help Rahul Sharma in his selection.
Rajeev Shukla is presently the secretary of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA)

“Pursuant to the tele-conference between Chairman of COA (Committee of Administrators) and (BCCI) Acting President (C K Khanna) and pending the appointment of a Commissioner under Rule 32 of the rules and regulations of BCCI, we are seeking an explanation from Mr Akram Saifi regarding the allegations made against him,” an internal communication of the BCCI, which is in possession of the PTI, stated.

Ajit Singh, who is the Boards Anti Corruption Unit’s chief said that audio tapes are being sought from the channel.

“We have taken note of the sting and will examine the entire matter. Until we speak to the people involved, it is difficult to say anything as of now,” he said.

Interestingly, the player in question, Rahul Sharma has never featured for India and not only that he has never played for the state either.

Rahul Sharma who allegedly sought bribes to Saifi is also accusing him of issuing fake age certificates. Saifi, however, denied all these charges.

“We are open to any inquiry. We follow a very transparent selection process at the UPCA. I can’t comment on the conversation between the two as it is their personal matter,” said UPCA’s Joint Secretary Yudhveer Singh