Betting, along with spot-fixing, was the root cause of the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) scandal that shook the very foundation of the world's cricket richest body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Supreme Court-appointed three-member Justice RM Lodha committee, on Monday, recommended legalising betting in India to ensure players and administrators don't bet on matches.
Betting, along with spot-fixing, was the root cause of the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) scandal that shook the very foundation of the world's cricket richest body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Strange as it may sound, what the panel comprising two other Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhan and RV Raveendran was suggesting, and if implemented, could be a 'game changer' not only for cricket but also for the entire sports scenario in the country.
This would also mean a huge revenue earner to the state exchequer because according to rough estimates, the worldwide legal sports betting market is worth over $400 billion.
However, there is a 'catch' in what Justice Lodha is recommending. The committee would like to make it mandatory for all the Indian players to disclose their assets like the way Indian politicians do it before every elections.
This, in Justice Lodha's words, would discourage any individual player from indulging in any kind of "money making" activity as it has happened in the past with fringe players during IPL.
"The players, administrators and others closely associated with the sport would be required to furnish the details of their incomes and assets for the sake of transparency. Licenses would have to be issued to those placing the bets as well, with age and identification details recorded. Strict penal sanctions would have to be imposed on those transgressing the license and other requirements," the report said.
In a country where legal gambling is confined to horse racing, illegal betting syndicates continue to thrive. According to a paper submitted to the sports ministry, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has stated that approximately Rs 3,00,000 crore in black money was being used for betting in the country every year.
"We have suggested to the legislature for legalising betting. BCCI should have an in-built mechanism to ensure players and administrators don't bet on matches. To ensure they don't involve in betting, they have to disclose their assets to the BCCI. It can only be done through betting houses which will have to take licences. Any misconduct by them will result in cancellation of those licences," Justice Lodha said.
The panel was of the view that betting could serve both the game and economy, if it was legalised as has been done in the United Kingdom.
BCCI monopoly to end
The direct fall out of the Justice Lodha committee report would also be on the individuals of bodies who have been barred by BCCI from conducting tournaments across India.
In the current scenario, anyone who has to conduct cricket tournaments in India needs to seek permission from BCCI. But experts feel that this report will put an end to BCCI's monopoly if Justice Lodha report is implemented in toto.
In the past, players have been victimised for playing in non-BCCI sanctioned tournaments. "Why should BCCI monopolise over a game of cricket. Any individual or company should be allowed to conduct tournaments independent of BCCI, which should only be bothered about conducting state and national matches," said the experts.
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