ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Corruption Wing in Islamabad detained two men on Wednesday for allegedly operating an international cricket betting ring.
The suspects, identified as Zahid Ali and Mujibur Rahman, have had two separate cases registered against them.
According to the FIRs, Zahid Ali serves in the Sindh Police and has previously been a professional cricketer as well as an umpire. He continued playing cricket until 2021 and later officiated at the district level.
Investigators claim he was actively involved in online cricket betting and maintained links with several international women cricketers.
The FIR further notes that Zahid Ali allegedly had connections with players in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana, and other African nations. Posing as a professional umpire, he reportedly managed a WhatsApp group called “World Cricket Law.” He is also suspected of money laundering and participating in betting operations spanning multiple countries.
The FIA said it has recovered important data and evidence from the mobile phones of both men.
As for Mujibur Rahman, he is accused of having ties with gamblers in India, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The FIR also claims he was in contact with a franchise owner during the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL).
According to investigators, Rahman had previously received a notice from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and was allegedly involved in human trafficking linked to cricket gambling activities.
The FIA stated that both suspects were also engaged in producing fake educational documents.
