Indo-Pak series: New punters join in

HYDERABAD: That cricket and betting go hand in hand, there is no doubt about. But the latest clash between India and Pakistan has seen a new set of punters joining the fray and newer systems being followed by bookies.
In fact, Saturday''s One-Day match saw a sizeable number of school children in the Old City area using their pocket money to place their bets.They even used cellphones to record their bets as required by the bookmakers.
"There is nothing wrong in punting as we want to multiply the money given by our parents," said Mirza, a ninth standard student from Moghalpura.
"I am not stealing or begging. If we win, we''ll treat ourselves to a biryani and maybe a movie," he added.
It is said that shopkeepers around Charminar and Gulzar Gulzar Houz have been in the business of accepting bets for several years. But as they follow foolproof methods, this has not been established yet.
For instance, this time round they are using post paid sim cards to conceal their identity. Punters placing bets are required to furnish a mobile number.
The bookies then call the number to give a four-digit code in acceptance of the bet. The transaction is closed once the result is known.