UPT20 Player Removed After BCCI Anti Corruption Tightens Grip On Match Fixing

BCCI's Devajit Saikia tightens grip on state leagues. Image Credits: AFPThe Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) have formally removed Ritik Vats, a Meerut Mavericks player, from the Uttar Pradesh T20 League (UPT20) after receiving a complaint from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). This comes amid a massive fixing crackdown across state T20 leagues.Since the massive success of IPL in India, states have begun to launch their own T20 leagues to give a platform to young and raw guns to showcase their talent. However, fixing allegations have overshadowed the true purpose of these leagues, as after DPL, UPT20 has landed in a massive corruption controversy.UPT20 player Ritik Vats banned amid fixing chargesAccording to journalist Abhishek Tripathi, the UPCA removed Meerut Mavericks player Ritik Vats from the UPT20 league following a complaint received from the Anti-Corruption unit.Apparently, the UPCA had called BCCI-appointed anti-corruption officials to monitor the league and they found that Vats had contacted players from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh with fixing offers.Upon receiving a complaint, the UPCA acted immediately and removed Ritik Vats from Meerut’s team before the UPT20 league even began. Though Vats has not been formally banned, he won’t be considered for selection for future Uttar Pradesh teams.Notably, Ritik Vats is not a new face. He has been representing the Meerut Mavericks for years now with his last appearance coming in September 2024. Hence, his involvement raises a lot of questions about the integrity of UP cricket.Also Read - Vansh Bedi Breaks Silence On Match-Fixing Sting, Warns Of Legal ActionUPT20 scandal comes amid DPL controversyHaving said that, the new fixing scandal in the UPT20 league has come to light just days after former cricketer Rachit Bhatia made shocking corruption claims in Indian domestic and franchise cricket during a Tehelka sting operation. He claimed that confidential CSK team information was conveyed to bookies during IPL 2025. Apparently, he received tips from a young Delhi player who also featured in the DPL. Meanwhile, Bhatia added that he received ₹60 lakh per match for playing XI information across five matches. He also alleged involvement in spot-fixing during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and admitted he deliberately bowled two wides and received ₹8 lakh for each delivery.Another claim concerned information about a DPL team's playing XI allegedly being shared before a match between Central Delhi Kings and North Delhi Strikers. Notably, all these claims are unverified as the DDCA and BCCI are yet to investigate.DDCA seeks BCCI’s interventionMeanwhile, in the aftermath of such serious accusations, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has reportedly contacted the BCCI. The DDCA reportedly received a complaint involving a Central Delhi Kings wicketkeeper-batter who said that he had been approached by another player. The alleged approach came from a player from Uttar Pradesh who also plays in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League. Hence, the DDCA has asked the BCCI for guidance on what steps should be taken.Interestingly, CSK’s young wicket-keeper Vansh Bedi’s name was also linked to the controversy. But so far, nobody has come forward to confirm his involvement in the whole fixing fiasco.Also Read - Pat Cummins Out Of AUS vs SA 1st ODI; Reason Revealed