Match-fixing allegations filed over approach to India Women's player

A first information report submitted to a police station in Bengaluru claims that an as-yet-unnamed member of India's women's side was approached by Rakesh Bafna with regards to fixing elements of her side's games

The BCCI's anti-corruption unit has filed matchfixing allegations against two Indian men in relation to the women's game.

A first information report submitted to a police station in Bengaluru claims that an as-yet-unnamed member of India's women's side was approached by Rakesh Bafna with regards to fixing elements of her side's games.

The incident in question took place in the lead-up to India's games against England in February, with Kothari said to have contacted the player via Instagram and offered managerial services before later referring her to Bafna.

"Today, we have got an FIR registered against two people in Bengaluru. The FIR pertains to an approach that was made to one of the women cricketers of the team. She reported the approach to us and even recorded the conversation she had with one of the accused over the telephone," BCCI ACU chief, Ajit Singh, told Sportstar.

"Kothari was trying to sell himself as the manager of various women cricketers. It was he who introduced Bafna to the player. He approached her to fix matches and play according to the script.

"Initially the call was made via WhatsApp and Bafna said that endorsement would be for a noted Indian clothing brand. But soon, he directly approached her to fix matches. The player told him that there is a bad connection and he could call her on her regular number."

Singh praised the player for coming forward.

"People involved in betting just need any cricket match, for them, it does not matter at what level it is being played. If a match is telecast, that helps them in betting and that’s why they indulge in spot-fixing," he said.