The fraud surrounding a proposed cricket tournament modelled on the Indian Premier League has deepened, with police arresting the main organiser and indicating that former Indian cricketers, including Praveen Kumar, will be questioned as part of the expanding investigation.
The case pertains to the Epic Victory Cricket League (EVCL), which was scheduled to be held at the Indira Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Gaulapar, Haldwani, from February 3. The league collapsed even before it began, triggering allegations of large-scale cheating by franchise buyers and sponsors.
Police on Friday arrested Vikas Dhaka, a resident of Sector-162, Noida, on charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust. He was produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody. Investigators have also frozen two bank accounts linked to the accused as they trace the money trail.
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Matches cancelled on opening day
According to the complaint, the league was abruptly called off on the very first day, with organisers citing “technical and logistical issues”. The sudden cancellation led to chaos at the stadium, angry protests by franchise representatives and players, and growing suspicion over the authenticity of the tournament.
The police registered an FIR late Thursday night after multiple complainants approached the district police chief, alleging that the event had been projected as a professionally managed league on the lines of the IPL, complete with franchise sales, player contracts and promotional campaigns.
₹30-lakh franchise deal, ₹23 lakh paid
One of the complainants told investigators that he had purchased the UP Warriors franchise for the league. The organiser allegedly quoted a price of ₹50 lakh, which was later reduced to ₹30 lakh after negotiations. The complainant claimed to have paid ₹23 lakh through multiple transactions, believing the tournament to be genuine.
Another complainant, a former legislator from Haldwani, supported the allegations and accused the organiser of collecting money from several individuals while failing to deliver any legitimate sporting event.
Police officials said preliminary scrutiny of documents, promotional material and financial records pointed towards misrepresentation of the league’s scale, financial backing and operational readiness.
Role of former cricketers under scanner
As part of the probe, investigators are now examining the involvement of well-known former players whose names were used to lend credibility to the tournament. Praveen Kumar, a former India fast bowler, had reportedly visited Haldwani two days before the scheduled start of the league, inspected the pitch and interacted with organisers.
Police sources clarified that the former cricketer is not an accused at this stage. “We will be contacting him and other players to understand what information was shared with them, the nature of their engagement and whether any contractual arrangement existed,” an officer said.
Officials added that the focus of questioning would be to determine whether the players were misled by the organiser or whether their presence was used without proper disclosure to franchise buyers.
Bank accounts frozen, money trail examined
Investigators have seized digital records, promotional brochures and communication data linked to the league. The frozen bank accounts are being analysed to identify how much money was collected, from whom, and where it was routed. Police believe the total amount involved could be significantly higher than the sums disclosed so far.
Authorities are also examining whether similar attempts were made to float the same or a related league in other cities, raising the possibility of a broader pattern of sports-event fraud.
Warning for investors and players
The case has once again highlighted the risks associated with privately organised cricket leagues operating outside established boards and regulatory structures. Police have urged investors, players and former athletes to verify legal approvals, financial guarantees and governing-body clearances before associating with such events.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials said more arrests are not ruled out as statements are recorded and financial audits progress.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
