FILE PHOTO: During his tenure as CAB president, Dalmiya said action had been taken against around 50 individuals for using fake identities or violating eligibility norms, stressing that fairness, transparency and strict adherence to rules were essential for the growth of sport. | Photo Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI

Former Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya has written to the West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan, urging the government to establish a dedicated Sports Integrity and Anti-Corruption Helpline amid allegations of corruption and malpractice in State sports.

In an open letter addressed to the minister, Dalmiya expressed concern over what he described as recurring allegations of corruption, favouritism, eligibility fraud and abuse of authority across sporting disciplines.

“Complaints relating to corruption, extortion, financial impropriety, abuse of authority and malpractice must be investigated promptly, fairly and transparently,” Dalmiya wrote, adding that unresolved allegations weaken public confidence in sporting institutions.

The letter comes against the backdrop of a complaint submitted to CAB against committee member Ambarish Mitra, who has denied any wrongdoing.

Without naming any individual, Dalmiya referred to allegations against a committee member of a reputed sporting association in the State, claiming that money was allegedly collected from athletes and their representatives in exchange for opportunities to participate and be fielded in teams.

He said documentary material, including alleged payment records and screenshots of bank transfers, had reportedly been brought to the notice of authorities but claimed that public perception remained that no transparent inquiry had followed.

“Whether such allegations ultimately prove true or otherwise, complaints relating to corruption, extortion, financial impropriety, abuse of authority and malpractice must be investigated promptly, fairly and transparently,” he wrote.

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Dalmiya urged the State government to create a confidential reporting mechanism through which athletes, parents, coaches, officials and whistle-blowers could report corruption, coercion, favouritism, eligibility fraud and financial irregularities in sport.

During his tenure as CAB president, Dalmiya said action had been taken against around 50 individuals for using fake identities or violating eligibility norms, stressing that fairness, transparency and strict adherence to rules were essential for the growth of sport.

According to a complaint, filed by advocate Suman Kirtania and copied to the CAB ombudsman, ethics officer and apex council members, Mitra, an active CAB member, allegedly collected lakhs of money from aspiring cricketers on the promise of helping them secure opportunities at clubs and teams.

The complaint also alleged misuse of influence in selections, financial irregularities and the creation of forged documents.

Mitra had told local media that he was not aware of any such complaint and maintained that he had never been involved in any form of corruption.

The development comes ahead of the CAB’s annual general meeting in September and amid a changed political backdrop in the State following the BJP’s sweeping electoral victory last month.

Dalmiya, who served as CAB president until 2023 before being succeeded by Snehasish Ganguly, was expected to challenge for the association’s top post at last year’s AGM before a last-minute rapprochement between the rival camps prevented an election contest.

Published on Jun 13, 2026