The man charged with cleaning up cricket match-fixing in India says much of the drama which dogged the sport in 2013 could’ve been prevented.
Amitabh Choudhary was last month announced as the chairman of the BCCI’s newly constituted anti-corruption and security committee – a significant role considering the controversy which has pervaded the game in recent years.
The purpose of the introduction of the committee was that in 2013 the lucrative Indian Premier League joined the spotlight.
Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth was handed a life ban for his involvement in a spot-fixing case, while his Rajasthan Royals teammate Ankeet Chavan was also banned for life.
“We could’ve avoided all of this. That’s all I can say,” Choudhary said.
“We could’ve done without it.
“…Whatever has happened the past one year (is) what has probably pushed the BCCI into constituting this committee.”
Choudhary, formally the Additional Director General of Police in Jharkhand, said while no official frameworks to prevent future corruption had been put in place he did have general thoughts on the best approach.
“I think the preventative aspect is very important,” he said.
“Better vigil. A little more effort. And also the ability to act at the right times.”
While acknowledging that money is the root of all match-fixing and corruption in cricket, Choudhary said the game’s major money-spinner, the IPL, could not be cast aside.
“It’s great entertainment. you can’t deny that,” he said.
“It’s great, especially in India. To that extent it’s something which also cannot be dispensed with.
“The idea is to do it well, simple.”