India and Royal Challengers Bangalore fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has reportedly mentioned to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that a suspected gambler from Hyderabad approached him during Australia’s tour to India back in February-March 2023.

Siraj, who also hails from Hyderabad, reported about the incident to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the cricketing authority, as per The New Indian Express. It is also known that the suspected person from Hyderabad works as a driver, and was seeking to gain access to sensitive information from the Indian team’s dressing room.

No sooner than the ACU came to know about this than they reported the same to the cyber police, closely associated with BCCI, to track down the person. It was later found that the accused approached the 29-year-old for betting and winning through the requested information.

‘It wasn’t a bookie’ – BCCI official

In an official statement coming from a BCCI official source, it was understood that the person who came in Mohammed Siraj’s contact wasn’t a bookie, but a cab driver who was desperate to make money through betting, which also happens to be illegal in India.

“It wasn’t a bookie who approached Siraj. It is a driver from Hyderabad who is addicted to betting on matches. He had lost huge money and approached Siraj for inside information. Siraj reported the approach immediately. The law enforcement authorities have nabbed the man. More details are being awaited,” a senior BCCI official said.

With the reinforcement of ACU post 2013’s infamous spot-fixing scandal, which included Sreesanth, Gurunath Meiyappan, Ajit Chandila, and Ankit Chavan being arrested, strict regulations foresee the smooth conduct and fair play during India’s domestic and international games.

It remains to be seen what further developments tend to be seen in Siraj’s matter as there have been multiple newsers being published about betting and gambling with each passing day as the cricketing season continues in the country.