MUMBAI: The bookie-underworld nexus is believed to have played a crucial role in both India and Pakistan suffering defeats at the hands of minnows Bangladesh and Ireland, respectively.
A leading bookie, who operates out of India, told DNA: “Dawood Ibrahim’s brother Anees and henchman Chhota Shakeel were monitoring the two matches from Jamaica. While there was Rs2,000 crore (including bets placed in India, Pakistan, London, Dubai, and other international betting circles) riding on the Pakistan-Ireland tie, nearly thrice that amount was placed by punters on the India-Bangladesh match. It is no coincidence that both teams lost their matches the same day.”
The Jamaica conglomeration of Dawood cronies registered a meeting with top international bookies and gangsters. Two India-based bookies —- Sunil Dubai and Hitesh Langda —- representing the Indian segment of cricket bookies attended the meeting.
On the Pakistan-Ireland tie, bookies had announced odds of 10 paise and Rs14, respectively, before the match, the bookie said.
When Pakistan’s batting collapsed for a meagre 132, the odds were changed with Rs1.80 being offered on a Pakistan victory. A rupee placed on Ireland would have fetched the punter a return of Rs3.60.
Around the 30th over, with Ireland sailing comfortably towards victory, the odds changed with bookies offering a return of Rs1.90 and 40 paise on Pakistan and Ireland, respectively.
“Ramesh Chembur, Uttam Marwari and Siddharth are three top session bookies from Mumbai, who take bets on any aspect of the match, be it ball-to-ball developments, over-to-over and run-to-run eventualities. There is one Kaka Ghatkopar alias ‘Kainchi’ (scissors), who is infamous amongst bookies for extorting large sums of money from them,” the bookie added.
