The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked the Supreme Court to make match-fixing a criminal offence. The board said the move would help protect the game and stop corruption among players and bookmakers. It argued that fixing matches damages the spirit of cricket and shakes public confidence. The petition was filed with the court registrar on October 14.
According to the BCCI, match-fixing should be treated as cheating under the Indian Penal Code. The board stated that dishonest acts in cricket hurt the sport’s global image. It added that fans must trust the fairness of every match. Without this trust, the foundation of the game could crumble. The case has been ongoing and awaits further hearings.
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The petition comes after a 2018–2019 match-fixing scandal in Karnataka’s state league. Six people, including two players, the coach, and the team owner, were accused of manipulation. However, in 2022, the Karnataka High Court ruled that the incident was not a criminal matter. This decision prompted the BCCI to approach the Supreme Court for stronger legal action.
Match-fixing has long haunted Indian cricket. The 2000 scandal involving South Africa’s Hansie Cronje and India’s Mohammad Azharuddin shocked fans worldwide. Another major case in 2013 linked players from Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings to spot-fixing in the IPL. Both teams were suspended for two years, and players faced bans under BCCI’s anti-corruption code.
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Other countries have already acted against such crimes. Sri Lanka introduced strict laws in 2019, allowing up to ten years in jail for fixing. The BCCI believes India should follow this example. It said the credibility of cricket depends on firm action. Through this move, the board aims to protect the game’s honesty and restore faith among millions of fans.