KPL spot-fixing scandal: Karnataka’s CM Gautam, Abrar Kazi arrested by Bengaluru Police

Bengaluru: In the ongoing investigation into the alleged spot-fixing in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) Twenty20 tournament, Bengaluru Police have arrested two players.

Former Karnataka Ranji Trophy cricketers CM Gautam and Abrar Kazi have been arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) for their alleged role in spot-fixing during this year’s KPL final in Mysuru.

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Gautam was the captain of Ballari Tuskers and Kazi was his teammate. Wicketkeeper-batsman Gautam has previously played for Karnataka senior team and ahead of this season, moved to Goa. Kazi shifted to Mizoram.

According to Bengaluru Police, Gautam and Kazi were paid Rs 20 lakh for “slow batting” in the final against Hubli Tigers on August 31. The match was won by Hubli by eight runs.

In the final, Gautam scored 29 off 37 balls when his Ballari were chasing 153 to win from 20 overs. Kazi made 13 off six balls before he was run out. Ballari were all out for 144 in 20 overs.

The 33-year-old Gautam has played 94 first-class matches. He had also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL), being a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Daredevils (now  Delhi Capitals) and Mumbai Indians (MI). He had also represented India in the Emerging Players tournament.

Kazi, 30, has played 17 first-class matches. He too was part of RCB squad in IPL.

Earlier, Bengaluru Police had arrested two more players and a coach involved in KPL. Cricketers Nishant Singh Shekhawat, M Viswanathan and Bengaluru Blasters bowling coach Vinoo Prasad were arrested.