Indian Cricket Faces Fresh Match-Fixing Allegations After Sting Operation
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
NEW DELHI: Indian cricket has come under fresh scrutiny after an undercover sting operation raised allegations of match-fixing and the sharing of confidential team information.
The investigation by Indian magazine Tehelka featured former Ranji Trophy player and Nagaland pacer Rachit Bhatia, who allegedly claimed that he had been involved in fixing matches and providing playing XI information to bookmakers.
According to the report, Bhatia claimed that he shared details of Chennai Super Kings with London-based bookmakers through Snapchat before the toss during the 2025 Indian Premier League season. He also alleged involvement in similar activities in domestic T20 competitions, including the Delhi Premier League and other state-level tournaments.
The player further made claims about payments allegedly being taken from parents in exchange for securing places for children in age-group teams.
However, the allegations presented in the sting operation have not been independently verified by any competent authority.
The controversy comes after the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed that one match-fixing-related approach was reported during the recently concluded Delhi Premier League.
A senior DDCA official told the Press Trust of India that Central Delhi Kings player Vansh Bedi reported an approach from an alleged fixer to the league’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
Bedi, 23, who was previously part of the Chennai Super Kings squad during the 2025 IPL season, reportedly followed the required protocol by immediately informing the authorities.
The DDCA said it had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the incident and sought further guidance. The association added that no other official complaints had been received by its Anti-Corruption Unit during the tournament.
DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma said Bedi had reported an approach from a player from Uttar Pradesh who was also participating in a T20 competition in the state.
The DDCA said security liaison officers were assigned to all teams during the tournament and described its anti-corruption measures as comprehensive.
In response to the wider allegations arising from the sting operation, the DDCA said the claims were unverified and warned against reaching conclusions about players or franchises without proper investigation.
The association said it had contacted the relevant authorities and requested that the matter be examined through the appropriate process.
Meanwhile, Bedi has rejected reports linking him to the allegations and described such claims as false and defamatory. He also said that his legal representatives were taking action over the reports.
