The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has banned Indian cricketers from giving autographs during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. This move has been taken to keep the game “clean” and “safeguard” the players from bookies and agents, reported CNN-IBN. This will surely widen the gap between fans and their cricket superstars.
According to a report in a national daily, the BCCI is of the opinion that miscreants – mainly bookies and those involved in spot-fixing – can either pass on or obtain information in the guise of seeking autographs.
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“We have asked cricketers not to give autographs while the match is on, during the IPL, Champions League T20 and all other BCCI-organised matches in India,” KS Madhavan of BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit was quoted as saying.
“This could be a method through which bookies may connect with cricketers. Through an autograph book, a bookie can exchange vital information with a player,” Madhavan added.
India have received massive support in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and this move by the BCCI will surely lead to anger among the fans. Alienating cricketers from those who made them heroes could have a direct impact on the fun, frenzy and most importnatly the support Team India is enjoying in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Earlier, BCCI had also banned players from talking to the media, during any international series.
