The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) removed Meerut Mavericks player Ritik Vats from the Uttar Pradesh T20 League after <a href="https://cricket.international/csk-to-review-match-fixing-<a href="https://cricket.international/vansh-bedi-issues-official-statement-on-match-fixing-allegations/” title=”Vansh Bedi issues official statement on match-fixing allegations”>allegations-at-agm-action-likely/” title=”CSK to review match-fixing allegations at AGM, action likely”>allegations linked to the match-fixing controversy. The development comes after earlier social media speculation had linked Delhi cricketer Vansh Bedi.
An investigative sting operation by Tehelka featured former cricketer Rachit Bhatia, who made allegations about match-fixing and the sharing of confidential team information. The report has triggered wider scrutiny of the IPL and domestic cricket, with the allegations yet to be independently established.
UPCA Removes Ritik Vats After Anti-Corruption Complaint
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association removed Meerut Mavericks player Ritik Vats from the Uttar Pradesh T20 League after receiving a complaint from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). The complaint stated that Vats had contacted players from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
A UPCA official told Dainik Jagran that BCCI-appointed anti-corruption officers were deployed for the league and that the association acted immediately after receiving the complaint.
“We have deployed BCCI anti-corruption officers to the league. A complaint was received from the ACU that a player had contacted players from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Acting on the ACU complaint, the UPCA immediately expelled Ritik Vats,” the official said.
The official did not confirm whether Ritik Vats had been formally banned. However, he indicated that Ritik Vats would not be considered for future Uttar Pradesh teams.
Ritik Vats had been part of the Meerut Mavericks setup for several years. According to the Dainik Jagran report, his last appearance for the franchise came on September 4, 2024. He was sidelined before the start of this year’s Uttar Pradesh T20 League following the ACU complaint.
DDCA Seeks BCCI Guidance Over Rachit Bhatia Claims
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has sought guidance from the BCCI after claims made by former Ranji Trophy player Rachit Bhatia in an undercover investigation by Tehelka.
Bhatia claimed that he provided confidential Chennai Super Kings information to bookmakers during IPL 2025. He alleged that he received ₹60 lakh per match for information about the playing XI for five matches. The report did not identify the CSK player who allegedly provided the information.
Bhatia also claimed that he was involved in spot-fixing during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He alleged that he deliberately bowled two wides and received ₹8 lakh for each delivery. He further claimed that he was offered ₹1.5 lakh for selection in the Nagaland Ranji Trophy team.
The sting also included a claim that information about a DPL team’s playing XI was provided before the August 3 match between Central Delhi Kings and North Delhi Strikers.
These claims have not been independently verified. The DDCA has maintained that no player or franchise can be held guilty until the allegations are examined by the competent authorities.
UP Player Reportedly Approaches Central Delhi Kings Cricketer
The DDCA has also received a complaint involving a Central Delhi Kings wicketkeeper-batter during the 2026 DPL. The player reportedly informed the Anti-Corruption Unit after receiving a corrupt approach.
A DDCA official said the approach came from a player from Uttar Pradesh who also plays in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
“The offer was made by a player from Uttar Pradesh, who also plays in the Uttar Pradesh T20 league. The DDCA has written to the BCCI in this matter and sought guidance on the next steps,” the official said.
The DDCA said it had deployed security and anti-corruption officers with each team during the DPL. The association has described the allegations reported in the media as unproven and said it has approached the relevant authorities for an investigation.
The state association also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards activities that could compromise the integrity of cricket. It said any disciplinary action would follow due process after the competent authorities establish the facts.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
