Corruption is a sad reality that affects every aspect of human society. Sports are no exception. In 2019, four United Arab Emirates Cricket Board (UAE) cricketers faced charges of either plotting to fix matches in an upcoming tournament or failing to cooperate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit’s (ACU) inquiry. This incident damaged the integrity of the sport and ruined the cricket betting strategies of many who hoped to make some money.
What are they Accused Of
Before the first warm-up match against Scotland, UAE captain Mohammad Naveed and three other players – Shaiman Anwar, Qadeer Ahmed, and Mehar Chhayakar – were suspended pending an investigation into match-fixing allegations for the T20 World Cup Qualifier.
According to the charges, Ahmed shared inside information with Chhayakar about UAE’s tour to the Netherlands that could be used for betting purposes. Chhayakar later refused to cooperate with the inquiry. Naveed and Anwar were accused of fixing the Qualifier matches and Naveed also faced another charge of fixing matches for the T10 League.
What Did the Court Say?
An independent Tribunal that heard the case, after considering oral and written submissions and witness testimonies, imposed an 8-year ban from all cricket on Naveed and Anwar in March 2021. They were both found to have breached articles 2.1.1 and 2.4.4 of the anti-corruption code. The verdict for Qadeer Ahmed Khan came a month later. He was banned for five years for six counts of violating the anti-corruption code.
The decision for Mehar Chhayakar took longer – another year and a half – because he faced additional charges when Ahmed Khan was punished, which delayed the process. He was charged with two counts of breaching Article 2.1.1, 2 counts of breaching Article 2.1.4, 2 counts of breaching Article 2.4.6, and one count of breaching Article 2.4.7. The outcome was a 14-year ban from all cricket.
ICC general manager Alex Marshal said this about the case: «Mehar Chhayakar first came to our attention when he was involved in organizing a corrupt cricket tournament in Ajman, in 2018. The offenses for which he has now been given a long ban are further evidence of his persistent attempts to corrupt and harm our sport».
It is a very rare situation for someone to try to fix matches on international tournaments. They are more closely monitored and regulated and it is only a matter of time before the crime is exposed and punished accordingly. This is the assumption that all the top Asian and European bookmakers make when they create and offer their bets for these competitions. However, it is also the assumption that all fans make when they believe that what they support is spotless and impartial.
