Mudgal repeats call to legalise betting in sport

Backing the newly-elected BCCI president Shashank Manohar to deliver, Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal, one of India’s foremost authorities on sports law, underlined his view that betting should be legalised to rein in corruptive forces.

Mudgal, who headed the four-member Committee that conducted an independent enquiry into the allegations of betting and spot-fixing in the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League, said that the game can be cleansed if the BCCI followed a code of ethics in a dedicated manner.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural Sports Law course conducted by the Sports Authority of India, Southern Centre, here, Mudgal pointed out that he had recommended legalisation of betting during his enquiry into the IPL spot-fixing issue.

Excerpts:
On Shashank Manohar: I am confident that Shashank will deliver for the good of the game. He will work towards the interest of cricket and he has already started his duties on a right note. It is true that there is a lot of work to be done as far as wiping out issues that are troubling the game is concerned but Shashank and his team are up for the challenge.

On the Lodha panel: The panel has done a thorough study of the IPL betting and spot-fixing issue. They have met many people such as cricketers, administrators and have taken suggestions from them. I have also met the members and I can promise that their work is very comprehensive. The members, under Justice RM Lodha have done extensive research and ground work.  

On the role of law in cricket: Following the Lodha panel’s report, the court has said that they will imbibe rules and regulations on the BCCI. Of course the rules will not interfere too much into the functioning of the body but it will mention small changes. 

On legalisation of betting: Betting should be legalised. Even during the time of Mudgal Committee’s enquiry, I had recommended for legalisation of betting. For example, the FIFA has a pattern to analyse suspicious betting. When they trace any dubious betting activities, they warn the players or order forfeiting of the match. Malpractice cannot be eliminated completely but can be reduced to certain extent by taking such measures.

On BCCI’s future responsibilities: A Code of Ethics which is good and outright, must be followed in a strict manner. Another area of concern is the popularity of Test cricket. We see empty stadiums for the longer format of the game. The situation can improve if children from government schools are given free entry to stadiums across the country. We must develop interest in the younger generation and BCCI can seek sponsors for making this happen.