Mumbai Indians Batsman CM Gautam Along With Abrar Kazi Arrested For Match Fixing Allegations

The Central Crime Branch Bangalore has arrested two renowned domestic cricketers — CM Gautam and Abrar Kazi — for their alleged association in the Karnataka Premier League fixing case. Both the players were a part of the Bellary Tuskers in the tournament.

CM Gautam — a veteran Karnataka cricketer who has played Ranji Trophy for Karnataka, has shifted his base to Goa this season — led the side, whereas Kazi — has shifted his base for Mizoram. Last season he played for Nagaland as well.

The sources of CCB claimed that they were paid “Rs 20 lakhs for batting slow” in the final against Hubli. However, it is expected that more arrests are likely to take place with further investigations.

CM Gautam is a known face in the circuit of Indian Premier League as he has played for Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils. However, both the players were included in their state squads for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, which will begin on Friday.

“We have no clue about the arrest. We are waiting to hear from the police or the association,” Sources in the Mizoram team said to Sportstar. They further added that Kazi was with them recently before he returned to Bengaluru a few days ago.

Earlier this week, Nishant Singh Shekhawat, another KPL player, was also arrested. He has been accused of helping the bookies to connect with the players and coaching staff of the teams to get them involved in the match-fixing. However, both the players were arrested after the bowling coach of the Bengaluru Blasters team Vinu Prasad and a batsman M Vishwanathan’s arrest because of cheating and conspiracy.

Earlier in September, Ashfaq Ali Thara, the owner of a Karnataka Premier League team Belagavi Panthers was also arrested for the connection with an alleged betting scandal of International Cricket.