Guess the IPL fixer: CSK, DD and MI players named in sealed envelope

The most beguiling aspect of the Justice Mudgal Committee report has been the sealed envelope submitted to the Supreme Court. Initially, it was thought to contain six names of players who were suspected of corruption. Then the Indian Express revealed it was 12 or 13 players plus IPL officials and franchise owners. One of those names was later revealed by the court to be BCCI president N Srinivasan. Now a report in DNA, citing a highly placed and impeccable source . adds more details. According to the story, the list also includes a well known television commentator and eight cricketers. [caption id=“attachment_1502943” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] MS Dhoni’s name has already come up in the IPL betting and spot-fixing scandal. BCCI[/caption] “Seven of these eight players are representing three different IPL teams,” DNA reports. “Of these, three belong to Chennai Super Kings, two to Delhi Daredevils and two others to Mumbai Indians. The eighth player went unsold at the 2014 auction in Bangalore, but played in the first six editions of the league.” The story does go on to say that there is a possibility some of these names will be cleared as a full investigation has not yet taken place. It is the nature of this investigation that currently lies before the Supreme Court, which is expected to pass an order outlining how it will take place in the next few days. That the details of the sealed envelope is coming out in dribs and drabs is only to be expected. It is also unlikely that the names will be revealed because these are merely allegations at this stage and publications will be wary of law suits. MS Dhoni, for one, has already sued the Zee group in a Rs 100 crore defamation case for linking him to the IPL spot fixing scandal. The Mudgal committee was also careful to say these are just allegations that had not been investigated and it did not want to tar anyone unfairly. Yet there is a case to be made for releasing all these names. After all, the judges have been deferential to the repuations of those involved, but at the same time saw fit to out Srinivasan and come down harshly on him despite the lack of an investigation in his case too. Situations like these also lend themselves to speculation. In the absence of concrete evidence, all the players in the three franchises are now liable to be viewed with suspicion, as are the franchises. Since an investigation appears inevitable, it would be healthier for the sport and the IPL if the court simply came out and named those against whom allegations have been made and suspend them pending the results of the investigation. Those accused will then also have the freedom to publicly defend themselves, should they wish to do so. The clock and dagger approach also risks tarring IPL 7 in hindsight should the investigation uncover evidence of corruption and some of the players or officials are found guilty. Indian cricket needs to show it has nothing to hide. Revealing the names would be the best possible first step.