IPL 2023: Andhra man texts cricketer Siraj for help after losing money in betting; held

Hyderabad: Have you ever heard of a bookie approaching a cricketer for help?

In a bizarre incident, a small-time punter sought help from Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj to turn around his fortunes after he lost money in betting.

The incident reportedly happened during the India-Australia ODI series in March, which preceded the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

Siraj, who is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team reported the issue to the BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit. The BCC unit reported the issue to the cybercrime team in Chennai, and local police to nab the person.

Siraj, who hails from Hyderabad, is one of the leading pace bowlers for RCB. He leads the pace attack of Team India in absence of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.

According to the sources, the punter sent a message to Siraj on WhatsApp informing him about the losses on betting. He requested Siraj to help him out.

According to the police, the accused was neither member of any gang nor has any record of betting. He was traced out in Andhra Pradesh.

Major betting gang busted in Hyderabad

A week ago, Cyberabad Police busted illegal cricket betting and apprehended 10 bookies. They had organized online cricket betting rackets during the RCB vs Lucknow SuperGiants match. Police have seized a large number of electronic devices and cash, all worth over Rs. 1 crore. The net cash seized during the operation was Rs. 60,39,000, and the amount available in bank accounts was Rs. 5,89,239. The total value of cash seized was Rs. 66,28,239.

The accused have been booked under section 3 and 4 of the TS Gaming Act by the Bachupally police, and a case has been registered.