In a stern message to anyone eyeing foul play in Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has banned Gurmeet Singh Bhamrah, former co-owner of the Mumbai T20 League franchise SoBo Supersonics, for attempting to fix matches during the 2019 edition of the league. The decision, handed down by BCCI Ombudsman Justice Arun Mishra, stems from a disturbing case of corrupt conduct that involved direct approaches to domestic cricketers. Bhamrah, who was also once involved in the defunct Global T20 Canada League, allegedly plotted with an associate named Sonu Vasan to lure players into underperforming. The plan came to light when Bhavin Thakkar, a former Mumbai cricketer, was approached with an offer of money and other incentives. The fixer acted at the behest of Bhamrah, referred to as “Paaji” in the transcript of the exchange. Thakkar, however, refused and reported the approach. Another senior player, Dhawal Kulkarni—who has represented India in ODIs and T20Is—was also reportedly contacted, although details of his interaction remain undisclosed. Read also: PSL: Abrar Cleans Up Warner, Steals the Show with His Celebration Corruption charges and uncertain fate The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the BCCI launched an investigation following the disclosures. The unit charged Bhamrah under multiple sections of the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code—specifically articles 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.4.1, 2.5.1, and 2.5.2. These relate to making corrupt approaches, inducing players to perform below standards, and failing to report such activities. While the order doesn’t spell out the duration of the ban, the mentioned articles carry punishments ranging from a five-year suspension to a lifetime ban. The transcript revealed that Sonu Vasan, acting on Bhamrah’s instructions, offered money to Thakkar and said he would “relay the decision” back to his handler. The exchange even proposed a joint call if Thakkar agreed. Fortunately, the player refused, setting the tone for integrity in the league. The transcript says: "Transcript of the conversation shows that Sonu Vasan offered money and other benefits to Bhavin Thakkar at the behest of the respondent. Upon meriting the entire offer that he made on behalf of the respondent, Sonu Vasan told Bhavin Thakkar whatever call Thakkar wishes to take in the matter, Vasan would relay it back to the respondent. "Even prior to Thakkar's denial to be a part of wrongdoing, Vasan also mentioned that he was asked by 'Paaji' that incase Thakkar's reply was in the affirmative to the offer of under-performing/wrongdoing, 'Paaji' has asked that he i.e. the respondent could in fact be joined in on the same telephone call."