Bookie related to KPL fixing case arrested in Delhi

The Central Crime Branch on Sunday arrested a 45-year-old international bookie in connection with matchfixing and spot-fixing in Karnataka Premier League.

Joint commissioner of police (crime) Sandeep Patil said, "Sayyam, from Haryana, was facing a lookout circular. He had taken shelter in West Indies. He was arrested for matchfixing with help from celebrity drummer Bhavesh Bafna, who is in judicial custody."

Sayyam was arrested on his arrival at Delhi airport from West Indies. Police said Sayyam was in West Indies for the Caribbean Cricket League, which ended on October 12, and in South Africa when Cricket South Africa T20 Challenge was held in May. Sayyam travels to countries where domestic and national T20 tournaments are held.

Sayyam lives a larger than life and was trusted in the world of bookies as he was reportedly in touch with the owners of a few teams in India and outside the country, police sources added.

They said Sayyam used Bafna to approach players for match-fixing and spot-fixing. On October 2, Bafna was arrested after he allegedly approached a Ballari Tuskers bowler to give more than 10 runs per over, but the bowler had refused.

Arrest to expose more scandals

Sayyam's arrest would help police explore his involvement in Tamil Nadu Premier League and Rajasthan Cricket League match-fixing and spot-fixing scandals.

Ashfaq Ali Thara, owner of Belagavi Panthers and KPL scam accused, owned a team in Dubai T10 League and allegedly placed bets with a Dubai bookie. He may have been in cahoots with Sayyam, a source said.