Two Indian Nationals Named in South African Spot-Fixing Case

On Saturday (July 20), the two Indian nationals were named in South African court papers owing to the spot-fixing case. Manesh Jain and Imran Muskan Shimji are the two names following their relations with experienced cricketer Ghulam Bodi.

The appearance of Ghulam Bodi in the court:

Just over a week ago, Bodi made his appearance on nine counts of corruption in Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court (PCCC).

However, the bail of Bodi was set at R3000 and the state did not oppose that.

However, pre-conditions were set by the prosecutor Willem Van Zyl on the former cricketers. The conditions are confiscation of passport and no contact should be established with the players whom he recruited.

Suspension of Bodi:

Bodi was suspended for 20 years by Cricket South Africa (CSA) in January 2016. He was suspended due to his recruiting agent role. He was linking Indian betting gang with domestic players of South Africa featuring in RAM Slam T20 Challenge.

Moreover, it appears that Manesh and Imran were acting as two intermediaries.

But, as per traces, they seem to have been reaching out to Bodi who then introduces them with the Indian based betting gang.

Bodi’s visit to India:

Before a couple of months when Ram Slam T20 Challenge was about to begin, Bodi visited India twice in August 2015. He met Imran, Jain and other gang members there.

The fixing offers:

So much so, offered some luxury watches to the players. Besides this, he has told the players that they can expect to earn R600000 – R700000 (~ 44000 – 52000 USD) per match after participating in the fixing.

He himself was offered R150000 (~ 11000 USD) per match.

His next appearance in the court:

South African domestic cricketer, Bodi is scheduled to appear in the court after one month. Investigations have reached on a crucial as well as the sensitive stage.

It has been learnt that not only one but several high-profile people are involved in the case who were prepared to offer comment when approached.

It has also been learnt that players apparently communicated in a different way while communicating on the phone which eventually led to the suspicion.