IPL Jersey Theft at Wankhede Stadium: Security Manager booked after stealing jerseys worth ₹6.5 Lakh

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a sensational theft at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium, a security manager was apprehended for orchestrating the disappearance of 261 official IPL player jerseys, valued at approximately ₹6.52 lakh.

The incident, which sent ripples through the cricketing community, unfolded quietly on June 13, 2025, only coming to light weeks later during a routine stock audit at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) merchandise store situated on the stadium's second floor.

The accused, Farukh Aslam Khan, a 46-year-old security manager residing in Mira Road East, was entrusted with safeguarding the exclusive gear. Instead, he exploited his access and removed the jerseys representing all 10 IPL teams-including DC, MI, LSG, SRH, KKR, PBKS, GT, RCB, RR, and CSK-without authorization. These jerseys, each worth around ₹2,500, were meant for official distribution to either players or fans as part of IPL merchandise.

Police investigations revealed a disturbing motive: Khan's compulsive online gambling habit. He allegedly sold the stolen jerseys to an online dealer from Haryana, whom he contacted over social media. To deceive the buyer, Khan claimed the jerseys were part of a clearance sale during renovation work at the BCCI office. Only about 50 jerseys have been recovered so far. Authorities are scrutinizing CCTV footage and banking transactions to trace the full extent of the heist and its financial proceeds.

The Marine Drive Police promptly registered a case under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, based on a complaint lodged by a BCCI employee and have since been systematically piecing together evidence to build their case against Khan. The shocking breach of trust challenges the sanctity of the sporting world's backstage and raises concerns about internal vigilance at major sports venues.