BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A cricket fan - who is said to be an Indian National - was reportedly banned from attending future matches in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
According to the Trinidad Express Newspapers, the unnamed individual was engaging in live betting while attending the recently-concluded game between the St. Kitts-Nevis Patriots and the Barbados Tridents at Warner Park.
The newspapers report indicated that the incident, called ‘pitch-siding’, saw the Indian national being questioned before he was ejected from the venue.
Pitch-siding, also known as court-siding, is the practice of transmitting information from sporting events for the purpose of gambling, or of placing bets directly from a sporting event. Accordin to Simon Cox, the procedure takes place when a spectator at a sporting event passes on, or uses, information which leads to bets being placed on 'in-game markets' before the bookmakers receive the information, and change the odds due to the in-play happening.
According to reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented policies against such acts.
CPL’s Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe praised the efforts of those responsible for security and anti-corruption in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“...I would like to reiterate CPL's unwavering commitment to protecting and enhancing the reputation of the game of cricket. The individual in question has been dealt with swiftly and this statement will undoubtedly deter any future unscrupulous behaviour at our games.”
Further, O’Donohoe explained that the Hero CPL “has a zero tolerance policy towards any forms of corruption or illegal activity and will deal with it quickly and effectively through the appropriate channels”.
“We are working closely with all our partners – including the ICC, the police and ground security in each of the Hero CPL venues – and would like to thank them for their ongoing efforts on our behalf.”
When contacted for a comment, an official of the Local Organizing Committee told SKNVibes Sports that they were unaware of the incident.
But a social media post seen by SKNVibes Sports shows that an Indian national was unhappy with the way he was treated at the ground and took umbrage to a decision made by the Venue Operations Manager.
The post was laden with aspects of racism and efforts by SKNVibes Sports to get a comment from the organizers proved futile
The post reads: “(name withheld) You are the biggest idiot I have ever seen in my life…We confirmed that you are a idiot with ur employers. You don’t deserve the position and you don’t know what you are doing. Stopping players and owners having all access passes you are a ?*%$^#!!. (name withheld) you idiot Read PMOA has access to this gate you have balls stop them TOMM ASSH...."
When contacted by this publication, the Venue Operations Manager noted that he was unaware of both the ejection and the social media post.
