In a move that could potentially change the definition of betting in cricket in the country, the Law Commission has written to state cricket associations, seeking their views on whether betting should be legalized in India. A letter written to the associations by Dr. Sanjay Singh, Member Secretary, Law Commission of India, a copy of which was available with NDTV, says that the Supreme Court has mandated that "the Law Commission of India to study the possibility of legalising betting in India".
The letter asks the associations to expedite their responses so that the Commission could complete its report at an early date.
The letter comes in the backdrop of the case in Supreme Court between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bihar and others.
While the BCCI has not reacted officially, sources told NDTV that the letter was being discussed during the meeting between the board and the Committee of Administrators (CoA) currently underway.
Betting has been a delicate topic in cricket in India, with both the Government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) frowning at any such activities.
Several players, franchises and franchise owners have fallen foul with the Government and BCCI regarding betting activities surrounding cricket, especially events like the Indian Premier League.
However, this letter opens the gates to the possibility of legalising betting on cricket, although how the BCCI and its affiliates will respond remains to be seen.
(With inputs from Rica Roy)