Allegation of spot-fixing embroils Nepal T20 in controversy

By Anjan Khadka,Kathmandu, Jan. 4: Nepal T20 League has embroiled in a controversy after clubs not paying the salaries of players surfaced and the allegation of spot-fixing was made on Tuesday. 

The first match between Kathmandu Knights and Biratnagar Superkings was truncated to nine overs following the players' refusal to play for not getting their remuneration on time.   

The match, however, was held after the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) guaranteed the players they would be paid. Players resorted to protest after the news of Jatin Ahluwalia, co-founder of Seven3Sports, the commercial and strategic partner of Nepal T20, fleeing to India made the news on Tuesday morning. 

Salary not paid

Captain of Kathmandu, Gyanendra Malla said the foreign players were preparing to return home in the mid of the league. “As the clubs are not paying the players as per the deal, they are preparing to leave. The CAN should address all the issues raised during the last few days.”  Altogether six teams-Kathmandu Knights, Biratnagar Super Kings, Janakpur Royals, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini All Star and Far West United- are vying for the first title of the Nepal T20.

The players of Biratnagar Super Kings, Kathmandu Knights, Janakpur Royals and Far West United haven’t received their salaries despite 60% of matches of the league is completed.

Talking to the media, the Captain of Nepal’s national team and Biratnagar Kings, Rohit Paudel also confirmed about players not getting their salaries. “We did not take part in the toss because the players are not getting their contract remuneration.”

“After CAN has assured us to provide us with the full payment by tomorrow, we agreed to play the match. This kind of circumstance makes players suffer a lot. Hopefully, the matters would be shorted out as soon as possible.” 

Suspect of Spot fixing 

Meantime, the allegation of spot-fixing also rocked the first Twenty20 franchise league organized by the CAN. 

The non-transparent method of CAN granting the commercial and strategic right to Seven3Sports and the bidding of the players in the closed room had already made the league suspicious. 

One of the commenters of the League, Sachin Timalsena revealed his suspicion of spot-fixing before opting out of the tournament’s job. Posting a video on his Facebook handle, Timalsena said he had discovered some hints of spot-fixing in the tournament. “After suspecting a spot-fixing, I have reported it to the anti-corruption unit of the league and nation’s cricket governing body.” 

Supporting Timalsena’s allegation, the Captain of Kathmandualso revealed to the media that one of his teammates was approached by the punters for the fixing. 

“I don’t know about other teams, but someone has approached one of our team members for the fixing. As per rule, we have reported to the Anti-corruption and they have started the investigation,” Malla said. 

Skipper Paudel hoped the representative of the International Cricket Council in Kathmandu to observe the league would investigate the allegations. 

One of the executive members of the CAN, Chumbi Lama also questioned the status of the league from his social media handle and asked for a prompt investigation. 

Kathmandu revive play-off hopes

Kathmandu Knights revived its play-off hopes after beating Biratnagar Super Kings by 34 runs in the match that got delayed after players refused to play the match at TU Cricket Ground.

The match was reduced to nine overs per innings after the resumption.

Batting first, Kathmandu scored 92 runs losing five wickets. Player of the match Sandeep Rajali hit unbeaten 32 runs for Kathmandu.

Biratnagar, in reply, was dismissed for 58 runs with one ball to spare. 

Kamal Airee claimed three wickets in Kathmandu’s win. Anil Kharel and Sunam Gautam also grabbed two wickets for the victors. 

Kathmandu collected eight points from seven matches to remain in the third position of the league standings. 

Biratnagar remained at the second bottom with four points from seven matches.

Lumbini bag seventh win

Lumbini All-Star strengthened its lead at the summit following a dramatic 5-run win against Janakpur Royals in the second match held at Kirtipur. 

With a seventh victory in the league, Lumbini led the pack with 14 points from eight matches. 

Janakpur trails at the second position with ten points from eight matches. 

Lumbini garnered 178 runs losing six wickets in 20 overs. Player of the match Indian batter Harmeet Singh cracked six maximums and five fences in his 47-ball 73 knocks. His opening pair Lahir Milantha of Sri Lanka also added 33 runs on the scoreboard. 

Sharafuddin Ashraf claimed three wickets for Janakpur.

In the run chase, Janakpur managed to collect 173 runs with a loss of five wickets in 20 overs.

Top order batter Shadwick Walton’s 36-ball 59 contributions went in vain as Janakpur was five runs short from victory. Walton hit three boundaries and four sixes in his batting. 

Opener and skipper Trevon Griffith, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Sundeep Jora added 26 runs each. Skipper Harry Tector and Bipul Sharma claimed two wickets apiece for the winning side.