Mohammed Siraj approached for corruption during IND vs AUS ODI series, Bowler reports to BCCI's ACU

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has reported to the BCCI's Anti-corruption Unit after being approached for corruption.

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has reported corrupt approaches to the BCCI's anti-corruption unit from a man who sought inside information after losing money while betting. According to ESPN Cricinfo, the right-arm seamer was approached during the ODI series against Australia in March and notified the matter to the ACU officials.

The BCCI has raised its anti-corruption drive since S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were arrested for spot-fixing during IPL 2013. Former Chennai Super Kings owner Gurunath Meiyappan faced arrest during the same season due to his links to betting.

A senior BCCI official told PTI the following regarding Siraj, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:

"It wasn't a bookie who approached Siraj. It is a driver from Hyderabad who is addicted to betting on matches. He had lost huge money, and approached Siraj for inside information. Siraj reported the approach immediately. The law enforcement authorities have nabbed the man. More details are being awaited."

There is also a mandatory ACU workshop for players and strict punishments for those failing to report a corrupt approach. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan suffered the fate and faced suspension in 2019 as he didn't report a corrupt approach during a tri-series in 2018.

Mohammed Siraj has been in top form in IPL 2023

As far as Siraj's on-field performances go, the right-arm fast bowler is at the top of his game currently. His performance in the home series against New Zealand propelled him to the top of the ICC ODI ranking for bowlers. The 29-year-old also did decently against Australia, but the Men in Blue lost the 50-over series.

Nevertheless, he has carried his outstanding form for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2023. With eight wickets in five games at 17.50, he is the highest wicket-taker for the Royal Challengers. However, the franchise's performances have been inconsistent in the season, losing three in five matches.