Memories of 2016 Jamtha upset resurface as T20 series builds World Cup momentum
Nagpur: Despite New Zealand scripting their maiden bilateral ODI series victory over India earlier this week and the haunting memories of the Blackcaps’ stunning win at the VCA Stadium, Jamtha during the 2016 T20 World Cup, bookies continue to place their faith in the Men in Blue ahead of the upcoming five-match T20 series.
With the ICC T20 World Cup drawing closer, the India vs New Zealand T20 series is being widely seen as a critical preparatory phase for both teams. The contest is expected to offer valuable insights into Indian conditions, prompting heightened interest from betting syndicates. According to sources, several prominent bookies from different parts of the country have already arrived in Nagpur and taken accommodation in hotels on the city’s outskirts. Their operations are likely to commence from Wednesday morning.
Sources further revealed that betting odds are strongly skewed in India’s favour, with rates reportedly hovering between 39 and 40 for the hosts, reflecting strong confidence in the Men in Blue despite recent reverses.
Anticipating illegal betting activities, the Nagpur Police—particularly the Crime Branch—have stepped up surveillance across the city. Elaborate strategies have been put in place to track suspicious movements before and during the matches. During the India-Australia Test match in 2023, Crime Branch teams had arrested four bookies from within the VCA Stadium stands, prompting authorities to adopt stricter preventive measures this time.
Confirming the intensified vigilance senior officers said that all Crime Branch units have been mobilised. “A list of previously booked cricket bookies has been prepared and their activities are under constant watch. Dedicated teams have been deployed to monitor movements round the clock,” sources said.
The Nagpur Cyber Cell has also activated its monitoring mechanisms to track online betting networks. Recently, police arrested a youth for black-marketing cricket match tickets, underlining the administration’s zero-tolerance approach.
Meanwhile, to manage the expected rush of spectators, the traffic police, under the supervision of DCP Lohit Matani, have implemented a comprehensive traffic and parking plan. Fans have been strongly advised to use Metro services to avoid congestion around the stadium during match hours.
