Resolving IPL graft charges a challenge for BCCI: Maken

New Delhi: Sports Minister Ajay Maken Tuesday described the spot-fixing allegations in the Indian Premier League as a challenge for the Indian cricket board and expected it to resolve the issue at the earliest.

"It is a challenge as well as an opportunity for the BCCI as it would help them eradicate the menace of match-fixing. They should resolve the issue early," said Maken, reacting to an India TV sting operation claiming spot was prevalent in IPL-V and players were attempting to negotiate bigger financial contacts with the franchises than stipulated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The sting shows Kings XI Punjab player Shalabh Shrivastava telling undercover reporters that most franchises are paying the extra money to the players under the table.

IPL commissioner Rajiv Shukla and BCCI president N. Srinivisan have already said strictest possible action will be taken if the players are found guilty.

"BCCI is one such body in the world that does not tolerate in any form of corruption. We will take the strictest possible action. I thank the channel for brining this to light," said Shukla, who will attend IPL Governing Council emergency meeting later in the day. (IANS)