The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed down a significant blow to cricket player Mehar Chhayakar, imposing a 14-year ban following his involvement in match-fixing. The Indian-born player, who predominantly played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was found guilty of multiple breaches of the ICC and Cricket Canada Anti-Corruption Codes.
The violations occurred during matches in the Zimbabwe vs UAE series in April 2019 and the GT20 in Canada in the same year. This severe punishment serves as a stern warning to those who seek to undermine the integrity of the sport.
Breach of Regulations:
Mehar Chhayakar was found to have committed seven breaches of the ICC and Cricket Canada Anti-Corruption Codes, resulting in his lengthy ban. The specific violations include:
1. Breach of Article 2.1.1: Chhayakar attempted to influence the result, progress, conduct, or any other aspect of international matches by deliberately underperforming. This breach was observed on two separate occasions.
2. Breach of Article 2.1.4: Chhayakar directly or indirectly solicited, induced, enticed, instructed, persuaded, encouraged, or intentionally facilitated others to breach anti-corruption provisions. He was found guilty of breaking this regulation twice.
3. Breach of Article 2.4.6: Chhayakar failed to cooperate with investigations into potential corrupt conduct, including providing accurate information and requested documentation. This breach occurred on two separate occasions.
4. Breach of Article 2.4.7: Chhayakar obstructed or delayed investigations into possible corrupt conduct by concealing, tampering with, or destroying relevant documentation or information.
Connection to Previous Cases:
The ICC noted that Mehar Chhayakar’s offenses were linked to the cases of former UAE players Qadeer Khan and Gulam Shabbir. Both Khan and Shabbir accepted sanctions after admitting to breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for their involvement with Chhayakar’s approaches.
ICC’s Commitment to Integrity:
Alex Marshal, the ICC’s general manager for the Integrity Unit, expressed the organization’s dedication to combating corruption in cricket. Marshal stated that the initial encounter with Chhayakar occurred when he organized a corrupt cricket tournament in Ajman in 2018. The ICC views Chhayakar’s lengthy ban as a clear message to anyone intending to corrupt the game, emphasizing their relentless pursuit of individuals who seek to undermine cricket’s integrity.
Increased Vigilance Against Match-Fixing:
In a separate development, the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), a global anti-match-fixing body, reported that 76 matches were flagged for suspicious betting activities during the third quarter of 2022. This statistic highlights the ongoing need for enhanced vigilance and measures to combat match-fixing and protect the integrity of cricket worldwide.
The ICC’s imposition of a 14-year ban on Mehar Chhayakar for breaching match-fixing regulations underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of cricket. Chhayakar’s involvement in attempting to influence match outcomes and obstructing investigations has been met with severe consequences.
The ICC’s stern approach serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in corrupt activities. Additionally, the IBIA’s report of 76 matches flagged for suspicious betting further emphasizes the ongoing need for stringent measures to safeguard the sport against match-fixing. As cricket continues to evolve, ensuring fair play and preserving the spirit of the game remain crucial priorities for the global cricket community.