Rajasthan Royals launch internal investigation

Jaipur: Rajasthan Royals` CEO Raghu Iyer said the arrest of three of its cricketers for alleged role in spot-fixing in the ongoing IPL has caused "immense distress" to everyone associated with the franchise.

Spot-fixing in IPL: Full Coverage» "All of the Rajasthan Royal owners, management, captain, coach and players and staff are shocked and disappointed at the entire situation which has caused immense distress to us all," Iyer said in a statement. Errant Indian pacer Sreesanth and two other bowlers from Rajasthan Royals team were arrested in a post-midnight operation in Mumbai yesterday by Delhi Police for spot-fixing IPL matches for payments of up to Rs 60 lakhs just for giving away pre-determined number of runs in an over. A special cell of the Delhi police arrested Sreesanth and his teammates -- Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan -- for indulging in spot-fixing in at least three IPL matches as per arrangements with bookies who have underworld connections abroad. "RR has launched a comprehensive internal investigation, and will make all information available to the authorities to assist with any on-going inquiries "RR is closely coordinating with the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council to take whatever steps may be necessary in the current situation," Iyer said. He further stated: "RR has noted statements which have been made today, including by Ajit Chandila`s lawyer, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, suggesting that it was made aware of such matters: these are completely unfounded and are totally refuted. RR will take legal action in the event that such defamatory statements continue to be made by any person. "RR has also noted statements which suggest that there have been other related instances in the past. RR absolutely confirms that it has never had any knowledge of any such matters. RR works closely with the ACSU, and has always fully complied with all of its related obligations, as a participant in the IPL. "All RR players are fully aware of the zero-tolerance approach of the franchise with regard to corruption and have obligations in that regard through their player contracts with IPL and the franchise." He said the franchise has suffered "enormously" due to actions of the three players. "Rajasthan Royals has suffered enormously as a result of the alleged actions of these players, and will fully support the BCCI and other authorities in rooting out this evil from the game of cricket." PTI