IPL 2020: BCCI contracts with Sportradar to curb betting malpractices
BCCI’s Anti-Corruption-Unit ropes in Sportradar to reduce the betting malpractices in IPL.
FollowAs the countdown of IPL commencement is gradually decreasing, the fans look eager to the kick-off from Saturday night, where CSK will be locking horns with MI. With the fixtures inching closer, the betting practices, that happen in closed doors, also need to be monitored intimately.
Implementing actions on the same lines, the BCCI has struck a deal with UK-based company Sportradar, which will offer its “integrity services” to monitor and curb the betting and other corrupt practices in the upcoming IPL through its Fraud Detection Services (FDS).
The challenge to tackle these malpractices have been taken seriously by the BCCI. Because there has been an escalation of betting-related frauds significantly over the past few years, which even surpass its previous records, the role of BCCI’s Ajit Singh-led Anti-Corruption Unit has increased manifold.
Also read: IPL 2020: Here’s what Ricky Ponting has to say on Rohit Sharma’s current form
"Yes, BCCI has inked a deal with Sportradar for this year's IPL. They will be working closely with the ACU and offer their integrity services," an IPL source confirmed the development to PTI.
"Sportradar has very recently red-flagged at least half a dozen games in Goa football league, which came under fixing cloud. They have also worked with FIFA, UEFA and various leagues across the globe," the source added.
The BCCI Anti-Corruption-Unit is quite stark with its vision and has recently tracked the fraudulent betting on Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Since bookies are known to operate from the Gulf, the unit’s responsibility increases all the more.
According to Sportradar, Fraud Detection System (FDS) "is a unique service that identifies betting-related manipulation in sport. This is possible due to the FDS's sophisticated algorithms and constantly maintained database of odds which are leveraged for the purpose of detecting match-fixing".
Sportradar is believed to eye suspicious moves of at least 600 independent bookmakers, processing around five million data sets per day to ensure transparency and to reduce anomalies to the zilch. Besides, the company will not have to shoulder a greater responsibility to keep a track of multiple fantasy gaming companies, which approach players and support staff, apart from bookies and possible corruptors.
Also read: IPL 2020: Here’s how Virat Kohli relaxed with his teammates
Sportradar MD, Andreas Krannich, said: “We know that the BCCI takes integrity seriously, and we look forward to working alongside them throughout the tournament and providing our support to their integrity programme.”
