BCCI bans analyst for life for corruption during Ranji

A spot-fixing approach was reported during the 2024 Ranji Trophy and was duly dealt with by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

- Rasesh Mandani

Based on an inquiry conducted by the board's anti-corruption wing (ACSU), the BCCI Ombudsman ruled that video analyst Raja Reddy will “suffer a lifetime ineligibility for offence of corruption under Article 2.1.3 and 2.1.4.” of the code.The issue dates back to the Andhra-Madhya Pradesh Ranji Trophy quarterfinal on February 23-26, 2024, in Indore where Raja made a corrupt approach to Andhra player Girinath Reddy.

Raja was working as a BCCI analyst in the said match, having valid accreditation with PMOA access, permitted to sit in the room designated for the third umpire and match referee for assistance. The Andhra team manager promptly relayed the information to the ACU official who swung into action.

In his statement to the ACSU, Girinath mentioned that a day prior to the match Raja sought information about the playing XI and offered him ₹5 lakh if he gave five runs in two of his overs.