Observing the importance of the India-Pakistan cricket match during World Cup on Sunday, the betting market here, like elsewhere, is buzzing in the State Capital and the bookies and bettors have become active.
Police administration claims to be alert by maintaining close watch on the developments. However, it is all under the radar, of course, since betting on the sport is illegal. But that, as we all know, has never stopped the dedicated punter.
The final of the Cricket World Cup might be scheduled for March 29, but as far as Indian interests are concerned, the final would be on Sunday when the two arch rivals India and Pakistan face each other in their opening match of the prestigious Cup.
Superintendent of Police, Bhopal North, Arvind Saxena, while talking to The Pioneer, said, "We are vigilant and keeping an eye on the known bookies besides our informers are continuously working to identify new bookies. Special teams have been set up to monitor the situation and we would do our best to stop betting in the city."
Meanwhile, a bookie from the city on condition of anonymity said that bookings are already on for the Sunday match and as per the market information India is favourite that means more chances of it becoming winner in the Sunday clash.
The rate of India is at 60 paise, while the rate of Pakistan is 70 paise. This means that if someone who bets Rs1 on India, he would get Rs1.60 if the team wins. The smart betters do not take the risk due to increasing police pressure and bet on betting sites that do not come under the purview of the local police, he added. Another local bookie said, "The Sunday match is the World Cup final for some. It is highly unlikely that these two teams will clash in the tournament again."
The other aspects at stake are who will win the toss on Sunday, then decide to bat or bowl first, the total scorecard and the performance of individual players, among others. For starters, Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bowl is pegged at 45 paise as against 35 paise on India winning the toss and deciding to bowl first.
The wager on India's star batsman Virat Kohli scoring 50 and above but not a century is 45 paise, and the same for Pakistan's captain Misbah-ul-Haq is 55 paise, underlining the fact that both batsmen are expected to be the top scorers for their teams.