On Sunday, April 18, 2025, police in Hyderabad arrested three men running a live cricket betting operation tied to IPL 2025, sparking a broader alarm from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The main suspect, Vicky Singh, 38, a local businessman from Dhoolpet, was identified as the primary bookie, alongside his subordinate V. Rakesh, 39, a pipes supplier, and punter B. Sandeep, 26, from Goshamahal. The arrests came after a tip-off led the Hyderabad Task Force to raid a small apartment in Nala Machilipura, where they seized six mobile phones, an LED TV, and ₹1.04 lakh in cash — with total seized assets exceeding ₹3 lakh. All three were handed over to Mangalhat Police Station for further probe.
How the Betting Ring Operated
The operation wasn’t local in scope. Singh and Rakesh were receiving live odds and line numbers from a main bookie, Shailender, based in Chennai — a classic example of how betting networks stretch across states to evade detection. They’d relay those numbers to punters like Sandeep, who placed bets on matches during IPL 2025. Police say all three had become addicted to gambling and turned to running the operation to fund their habits. The setup was low-tech but effective: a single room, a TV tuned to live matches, and phones buzzing nonstop with betting requests.
BCCI’s Secret Warning: The Hyderabad Businessman
While police focused on the street-level ring, the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Security Unit (ACSU) issued an urgent, confidential advisory to every IPL stakeholder — players, coaches, owners, commentators, even team doctors. The target? A Hyderabad-based businessman with a known history of ties to bookies. He’s not just a background figure; he’s actively infiltrating the ecosystem.
According to reports from Cricbuzz, The Week, and Telangana Today, this man poses as a superfan. He shows up at team hotels, matches, and training grounds. His tools? Luxury gifts — expensive jewelry, five-star stays, even cash. He’s been spotted contacting family members of franchise personnel, and reportedly uses social media to reach out to relatives overseas. The ACSU fears he’s building relationships to extract inside information or influence match outcomes. No name has been released — yet. But the message is clear: if you’ve been approached, report it immediately.
A Ghost from 2013: The Shadow of Spot-Fixing
This isn’t the first time the IPL has been rocked by corruption. In 2013, Delhi Police arrested three players from Rajasthan Royals for spot-fixing, leading to a Supreme Court-ordered inquiry that eventually banned both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings for two years. The then-BCCI president, N. Srinivasan, stepped aside amid the scandal. The parallels are chilling. Back then, it was cash bribes and phone calls. Now, it’s luxury gifts and encrypted messages. The ACSU admits technology has made their job harder — encrypted apps, burner phones, anonymous crypto payments. But the motive? Still the same: profit through deception.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Game
Cricket in India isn’t just a sport — it’s a ₹100,000-crore industry with millions of fans who trust the integrity of every ball bowled. When bookies infiltrate the locker room, they don’t just break rules; they break faith. The BCCI’s recent fine of ₹25 lakh on veteran bowler Ishant Sharma for breaching conduct rules shows they’re cracking down — but reactive measures won’t stop what’s already in motion. The real danger isn’t the ₹3 lakh in seized cash. It’s the quiet, calculated erosion of trust.
What Happens Next?
The Mangalhat police investigation is ongoing, with charges expected under Sections 420 (cheating) and 465 (forgery) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Telangana’s anti-gambling laws. Meanwhile, the ACSU is working with state police forces across IPL host cities to track the mysterious businessman. Franchises have been ordered to audit all third-party contacts. Players are being briefed in private. And if the BCCI finds evidence of insider involvement? Expect suspensions — possibly lifetime bans.
Why This Matters to Every Fan
You don’t need to be a bookie to feel this. When you buy a ticket, watch a match on TV, or argue with friends over who’ll win the final — you’re betting on fairness. This isn’t just about a few arrests in Hyderabad. It’s about whether the game you love still belongs to the players, or to the shadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Hyderabad businessman linked to the betting ring, and why hasn’t his name been released?
The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Security Unit has not publicly named the Hyderabad businessman to avoid tipping him off or compromising an ongoing investigation. Sources indicate he has a prior record of association with bookies and has been observed approaching IPL personnel across multiple host cities. Authorities are likely gathering digital evidence — including social media messages and financial trails — before making an arrest.
How did the Hyderabad Task Force uncover this betting ring?
The operation was exposed after a tip-off from a former associate of Vicky Singh who feared legal consequences. Surveillance over three days revealed frequent communication between Singh’s apartment and a known bookie in Chennai. Police intercepted betting messages, tracked cash flows, and identified the LED TV used to stream live matches for real-time odds. The arrest was timed to catch them mid-bet during a high-stakes IPL match.
What penalties could the arrested individuals face?
Under the Indian Penal Code and Telangana’s Gambling Act, Vicky Singh and his associates could face up to three years in prison and fines of up to ₹10 lakh each. If proven to have colluded with players or officials, they could be charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The BCCI may also impose lifetime bans on anyone found to have engaged with the Hyderabad businessman, regardless of whether betting occurred.
Is this the first time a bookie has targeted IPL players with gifts?
No — in 2018, a Mumbai-based middleman was caught offering a Rajasthan Royals player a luxury car in exchange for match information. But this case is more systematic: the Hyderabad businessman is reportedly targeting not just players, but coaches, commentators, and even family members abroad. The scale and sophistication suggest a well-funded, organized effort, possibly linked to international betting syndicates.
What should IPL stakeholders do if approached by this businessman?
The BCCI has instructed all stakeholders to immediately report any contact to the ACSU via a dedicated encrypted portal. Do not engage, decline gifts, and document the interaction — names, dates, locations, and messages. Even casual conversations could be used to extract sensitive information. The ACSU has confirmed it will protect whistleblowers and has already received over 17 anonymous reports since the advisory was issued.
Could this lead to another IPL team being suspended?
Not unless evidence links a franchise’s management or ownership to the scandal. The 2013 bans targeted teams whose officials were directly involved in match-fixing. This case appears focused on individuals — not institutional corruption. But if the Hyderabad businessman is found to have been hosted or protected by any franchise, the BCCI could impose heavy fines or even ownership sanctions under its integrity code.
