Harmeet Singh questioned in spot-fixing probe

Harmeet Singh, a member of India Under-19's 2012 World Cup-winning squad, appeared before BCCI's anti-corruption and security unit chief, Ravi Sawani in a spot-fixing probe in Mumbai. Sawani is currently investigating the alleged involvement of Rajasthan Royals players, Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, in spot-fixing during IPL 2013.

Harmeet, who played one game for Rajasthan Royals in this season, shared all the information he had about the fixing episode with Sawani. The 20-year-old left-arm spinner was summoned by Sawani after he recorded a statement, which is admissible in court, before a magistrate in Delhi on Wednesday.

According to news reports, Jitender Singh, alias Jeetu, a bookie who was arrested in connection with the IPL corruption scandal last week, alleged that he had tried to get Harmeet involved but didn't strike a deal as the player was too young.

The BCCI has no intention of suspending Harmeet pending enquiry. The board did consider taking such action against Harmeet's Rajasthan Royals team-mate, Siddharth Trivedi for an alleged breach of the IPL code of conduct; Trivedi had recorded a statement before a magistrate in a Delhi court, sharing information related to the spot-fixing case. The BCCI decided that it would be unfair to suspend Trivedi, given that he was co-operating with the ACSU as well as the authorities. A BCCI insider confirmed the same position would apply to Harmeet: "The question of Harmeet's suspension does not arise till he is found to have been involved in mischievous activities."

Even though he has not been suspended, Harmeet's quest of resurrecting his first-class career, that had virtually stalled with Mumbai, hangs in balance for now. The left-arm spinner had acquired a no-objection certificate from the Mumbai Cricket Association after being approached by officials from the Vidarbha Cricket Association. His move to Vidarbha was almost completed and he had been invited to represent the VCA XI in the Dorairajan Trophy in Nagpur.

However, following news reports allegedly linking him to a few bookies, the VCA put its plans on hold and dropped Harmeet from VCA XI side last week. The association hasn't signed a contract with the bowler and has decided to ensure that the player comes out clean before bringing him on board.