IPL spot-fixing: Did Umpire Asad Rauf receive expensive gifts from bookies?

Asad Rauf, the Pakistani umpire whose name had emerged in connection with the IPL spot-fixing scandal, appears to have received gifts from bookies through Vindu Dara Singh, the actor who was arrested by the Mumbai Police last month in connection with betting on the IPL. The Times of India has reproduced parts of transcripts of calls between Rauf, Vindu and bookie Pawan Jaipur showing that Rauf had hinted at wanting gifts and Vindu seems to have obliged. [caption id=“attachment_889749” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf reportedly received a Rs 6 lakh watch and a gold chain from bookies. Getty[/caption] “Asad Rauf (Pakistani umpire who was officiating in IPL 6): ‘Do you know my birthday is coming up?’ Vindu Dara Singh (film and TV actor): ‘Asadbhai, don’t worry, we will take care of it. I will convey the message to Pawanbhai."’ Pawan Jaipur (bookie) to Vindu: ‘I am sending a watch worth Rs 6 lakh and a gold chain for Asad through Prem Taneja (another bookie) in Delhi. Please ask Asad to collect it from Delhi.’” According to the paper, these conversations were taped in April through three mobile phones belonging to Vindu and handed over by police sources. They are first reported pieces evidence tying Rauf to bookies alleged to be involved in the IPL spot-fixing and betting cases. In another conversation, Rauf can reportedly be heard asking for the bill for the gold chain, without which he would have problems with customs. The Times of India reports that the Mumbai Crime branch has possession of the bill, along with other gifts for Rauf allegedly sent by Taneja. Rauf left India on either 20 May or 21 May, just before Vindu was arrested by the Mumbai Police. On his return to Pakistan, Rauf denied he had received gifts or had any involvement in the spot-fixing scandal. “I vehemently deny allegations of match-fixing, spot-fixing, taking gifts (from bookmakers) and any illegal money,” he said at the time. “I am ready to face any inquiry if the ICC’s anti-corruption unit wants to conduct any.” You can read the full story here.