'Fixing' fear in India's favourgives bookies the jitters

NAGPUR: Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men look determined to achieve what Kapil's Devils did in 1983. Sachin Tendulkar is set to play a memorable match-winning innings on his home turf, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Saturday. This has made a sizeable section of the bookies jittery. They feel that the World Cup final against Sri Lanka may be 'fixed' in favour of India.
Though several bookies may give the crucial tie a slip fearing huge losses, a couple of local bookies are offering odds like 57-59, 59-61 and 65-67 in favour of India.Amid high speculation, bookies are also eager to offer 62p for an India win and 1.40p for Sri Lanka winning the title.
"The percentage of bets being placed on India is quite high. Bookies have had an average world cup," said a bookie.
"In the match between India and Pakistan, bookies had to make big payments to punters after the home team won," added the bookie on a disappointing note.
The international betting sites are also offering odds heavily tilted towards India. Sites like Ladbrokes.com is offering 4/7 for India and 11/8 for the Lankans while betfair.com is offering an odd of 1.58 for backing India while 2.68 for a win by Sri Lanka.
The bookies, who might withdraw from the business during the title clash, feel that powerful political influence may be a reason behind ensuring that Dhoni's team wins the cup in India.
Another section of the bookies feels that the big fish may ensure that Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's dream to be part of a World Cup winning team does not remain unfulfilled. Tendulkar, in his late thirties, is likely to be playing the last world cup game of his career. Apart from winning the cup, a hundredth ton too awaits Tendulkar.
"Local punters are also betting heavily on the likely teams, toss and playing conditions, but a deep sense of patriotism is driving them towards India. A large number of amateurs and cricket lovers are also betting on India," said a punter.
It is learnt that some bookies are offering Rs 2-2.50 on Tendulkar slamming the historic ton. They are offering punters 50p for betting on a half-century by the prolific run machine.