Three players banned in IPL fixing inquiry

Three cricketers have been suspended by their national board after being questioned by police over alleged corruption in the Indian Premier League.

Shantakumaran Sreesanth (above), Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila, who play for Rajasthan Royals, were taken into custody by Delhi police and have been immediately prevented from playing any competitive cricket by the BCCI, the body that controls the game in India.

“We have been informed that three of our players have been called in for investigation on spot fixing in matches. We are completely taken by surprise. We do not have the full facts at this point and are unable to confirm anything," Rajasthan Royals said in a statement.

“We are in touch with the BCCI on this matter. We will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. The management at Rajasthan Royals has a zero-tolerance approach to anything that is against the spirit of the game.”

The BCCI said it was “shocked and saddened” at the news. “We will offer all cooperation to the Delhi police and all other authorities in their investigations in this matter. The IPL Governing Council has met and decided that the cricketers found involved will be dealt with severely,” added the statement.

Of the three, only Chavan was involved in Rajasthan’s most recent match, a defeat by Mumbai Indians yesterday.