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An FIR has been registered against three individuals, including Akram Saifi, an associate of the Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, following allegations of bribery and misconduct in the selection process for the Uttar Pradesh cricket team. The complaint was lodged by Satyaprakash Yadav, an aspiring cricketer, at the city police station in Unnao.
Satyaprakash Yadav has accused the accused individuals of demanding a bribe in exchange for securing his selection in the Uttar Pradesh cricket team. According to the FIR, he was coerced into paying a significant sum of money under the promise of team selection, only to face threats and intimidation when he sought reimbursement.
The FIR, registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 420 (fraud), 406 (breach of trust), and criminal intimidation, names Anurag Mishra, Anubhav Mishra, and Akram Saifi as the accused parties. The Unnao city police station has initiated an investigation into the matter following the formal complaint lodged by Satyaprakash Yadav.
This incident sheds light on the pervasive issue of corruption and malpractice in cricket selection processes across Uttar Pradesh. Aspiring cricketers often resort to bribery to secure opportunities to represent the state in prestigious tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ranji Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The recent controversy comes amidst a disappointing performance by the Uttar Pradesh cricket team in the Ranji Trophy 2024 tournament. Despite their efforts, the team failed to advance to the quarter-finals, finishing sixth in Elite, Group B. This incident raises concerns about the integrity and transparency of the selection process and highlights the need for stringent measures to curb corruption in cricket administration.
