Wary Royals tighten team security
Rajasthan Royals, back from a two-year suspension following charges of spot fixing in IPL, have decided to strengthen security by hiring their own security experts. These experts will act as team’s internal watchdogs.
In a first-of-its kind initiative by any IPL franchise, Rajasthan Royals have created an internal ‘Security and Ethics office’. The franchise on Saturday appointed KP Raghuvanshi, a retired IPS officer, as the team’s internal ‘Security and Ethics’ officer. He will be assisted by Javed Shaikh, a former additional superintendent of police, who was brought on board as Security and Ethics Advisor. He will be travelling with the team in all their away matches.
The two-member security team will be present besides the ‘Integrity Officer’ that is attached with every team by the IPL as per the policy. When contacted, Ranjit Barthakur, chairman of Rajasthan Royals, confirmed the development. “Our
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priority is the team and players’ security. We are committed towards stricter regulations and vigilance to ensure no disrepute is brought to the team and the game,” said Barthakur.
Raghuvanshi, a 1980 batch IPL officer, has varied experience of over 35 years in leadership roles and is currently the strategic security advisor of RBI.
Shaikh, too, specialises in anti-corruption laws, intelligence collection etc.
“The primary objective behind the appointments is to have a strong Code of Conduct in place and ensure its adherence. We want to protect the players. The Royals management wants to emphasise their commitment towards keeping the sport clean and setting up an example in IPL,” Barthakur said.
BCCI GETS ACU HEAD
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Ajit Singh, a 1982 Rajasthan cadre IPS officer as head of their AntiCorruption Unit. Neeraj Kumar has been retained as advisor of the ACU.