Cricket Scam Exposed: Odisha Resident Defrauds Aspiring Cricketers of ₹10.45 Lakh

Strategic Insights -

A high-profile cricket scam has come to light in Maharashtra, with an Odisha resident allegedly conning two aspiring cricketers out of ₹10.45 lakh with promises of international cricket opportunities. Mohammed Johar, a 21-year-old resident of Nalasopara East, and another victim, Alam, were duped by Mrutyunjay Bishnoi, who collected money from them over four years (2021-2025) through online transfers. Despite the hefty payments, neither victim was sent abroad, and no part of the money was refunded. An FIR was filed on July 7, 2025, under Sections 420 and 406 of the Indian Penal Code, and the investigation is ongoing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The scammer, Mrutyunjay Bishnoi, allegedly collected ₹10.45 lakh from two aspiring cricketers, Mohammed Johar and Alam, over a period of four years (2021-2025).
  • Bishnoi promised the victims international cricket opportunities but did not fulfill his promises, and no part of the money was refunded.
  • An FIR was filed against Bishnoi on July 7, 2025, under Sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code.
  • The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet.
  • The funds remain unrecovered, and the delay in lodging the complaint was due to an internal inquiry and obtaining clearance from senior officers.

Statistics:

  • ₹10.45 lakh: the total amount allegedly defrauded from the two aspiring cricketers by Mrutyunjay Bishnoi.
  • 4 years (2021-2025): the timeline of the scam, during which Bishnoi collected money from the victims through online transfers.
  • 2: the number of aspiring cricketers who were duped by Bishnoi.
  • July 7, 2025: the date on which an FIR was filed against Bishnoi under the Indian Penal Code.

Sources:

  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. (2025)
  • Contify.com