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Srinagar, June 29: Senior cricketer, Abid Nabi, Monday blamed Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for the rise of cricket betting in Kashmir.
The Srinagar native said the JKCA hasn’t conducted enough events for its players in last many years, leaving cricketers at God’s mercy. He asserted the lack of matches makes players play local cricket and possibly fall into betting as well.
“JKCA hasn’t organized any events for players. There are no matches. What are players going to do? I am not defending betting but players alone can’t be blamed,” Abid told KSW.
The fast-bowler questioned that if international cricket is about to resume and sports activities have been allowed in J&K, why hasn’t JKCA held any events.
“Yes, we all know Coronavirus halted everything this year. But now the things are settling down. There are lots of sports activities going on but JKCA is doing nothing as always,” He said.
The 34-year-old also said that it has been a long since he has played any club cricket at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium,
“I don’t even remember when was the last time I played in Ground A of Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium. The association is just making large claims but doing nothing,” He added.
The cricket betting has been a hot topic after reports claimed involvement of top-level players in illegal betting. From former cricketers to social media users, all have been expressing anguish.
Meanwhile, JKCA, the major cricket body of region, Saturday said they will take strict action against players involved in betting.