CM Gautam and Abrar Kazi arrested for spot-fixing

Former Karnataka cricketers CM Gautam and Abrar Kazi have been arrested by the Central Crime Branch of Bangalore for their involvement in spot-fixing. Both represented the team of Hubli Tigers in the Karnataka Premier League. Gautam, the wicketkeeper-batsman and Kazi, left-arm spinner, have been accused of spot-fixing during the final of the KPL 2019 between Bellary Tuskers and Hubli Tigers.

More bad news from the Karnataka Premier League. And this time, experienced players. No money can overcome living life in ignominy.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 7, 2019

The fixed match

Gautam and Kazi, both senior members of their side, were allegedly paid INR 20 Lakhs for batting in a slow manner in the game against the Tigers. In the final, the Tigers had to chase down 153 runs. Gautam opened the innings as usual and laboured to 29 from 37 balls. Kazi emerged at number eight and struck 13 runs from six balls. The team slumped to an 8-run defeat. Along with the final, the duo is supposed to have fixed another match which was against Bengaluru Blasters.

The arrest of these two cricketers increases the number of arrested players to four. Earlier, CCB arrested Nishant Singh Shekhawat and M Viswanathan. Another arrest was of Bengaluru Blasters bowling coach Vinu Prasad. Owner of the Belgavi Panthers owner Ali Asfak Thara was also arrested last month with the team receiving a suspension. CCB also took Bhavesh Bafna, a drummer in the IPL, into custody for his involvement in fixing.

Sandeep Patil, the Joint Commissioner of Police, told ESPNcricinfo, “CCB have made two important arrests in the KPL spot-fixing scandal. Bellary team captain CM Gautum and Abrar Kazi arrested. They did spot fixing in KPL 2019 finals between Hubli and Bellary. They were paid 20 lakhs for slow batting. Also, they fixed another match against the Bangalore team. Further investigation on and more arrests would be done.”