Caught Out: Exposing the Dark Underbelly of Indian Cricket

The captivating documentary "Caught Out: Crime. Corruption. Cricket" takes us on a disturbing journey into the underbelly of Indian cricket, exposing a rampant culture of match-fixing that shook the very foundations of the sport.

Veteran journalist Aniruddha Bahal's investigation in 1997 sparked the initial flames, uncovering a world where bookies openly discussed manipulating match outcomes and influencing players, casting a shadow over the integrity of the game.

Whistleblowing and Disbelief

Former cricketer Manoj Prabhakar emerged as a courageous whistleblower, accusing a top Indian player of offering him a bribe to underperform. This bombshell revelation was met with disbelief and ridicule, but the tide began to turn when the Delhi Police intercepted a phone call offering the South African captain, Hansie Cronje, a staggering sum of money to fix matches.

A Sting Operation and Shocking Footage

Fueled by these shocking revelations, Bahal and journalist Minty Tejpal embarked on a daring sting operation, capturing damning footage of top cricketers and administrators casually discussing match-fixing. This exposé revealed a shocking disregard for the spirit of the game, with financial gain seemingly prioritized over the integrity of the sport.

National Outcry and Government Intervention

The public outcry and widespread media coverage forced the hand of the authorities, leading to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launching a comprehensive investigation. This probe unearthed a complex network of Sharjah-based bookies, led by the notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim, who were pulling the strings behind the scenes. Bookie MK Gupta emerged as a key witness, providing crucial evidence that exposed the extent of the operation and the brutal tactics employed, including threats and violence.

Lifetime Bans and Controversial Cases

The investigation resulted in lifetime bans for players like Ajay Sharma and Mohammad Azharuddin, whose case remains shrouded in controversy. However, legendary cricketer Kapil Dev, who was also accused by Prabhakar, was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

Continuing Whispers and a Legacy of Struggle

While the BCCI has implemented stricter measures and established an anti-corruption unit, whispers of unchecked betting continue to plague the sport. "Caught Out" serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cricket and the constant battle to uphold its integrity. It raises critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the future of cricket in India.

Will the fight to clean the game ever be truly won?