Sunil Gavaskar has promised that “life will get tougher than they ever imagined” for those caught indulging in corrupt activities during this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

The competition’s reputation was tarnished last year with former Indian bowler Sreesanth among three players found guilty of spotfixing.

Recently, N Srinivasan, president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was suspended by the Supreme Court until the spot fixing and betting scandal afflicting the IPL was resolved.

The court then appointed two interim presidents with Gavaskar in charge of the IPL affairs and BCCI vice-president Shivlal Yadav for non-IPL activities.

“Even in the most developed society today, the presence of anti- social elements cannot be discounted,” said the 64-year-old batting legend at yesterday’s IPL Gala dinner at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.

“A handful of individuals want to tarnish our sport. It’s not fair and it is highly ignorant.

“We cannot and will not leave, just like every sport in society, any stone unturned in reclaiming the piety in the sport of cricket.

“We will do everything in our control to fight corruption in cricket. If every cricketer, stake-holder or individual refuses to co-operate with the evil elements and exposes them, then a chunk of our job will already be done. And those who fall in corruption be rest assured that life will get tougher than they ever imagined.”

Earlier, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) chairman H.E Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, also Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, opened the star-studded gala with all IPL players and coaches in attendance, and performances by Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.

“The IPL will be huge for the country. The ECB appreciates that the competition will thrive and continue to strive to promote the sport in UAE,” said Sheikh Nahyan.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians’ Corey Anderson, who holds the world record for the fastest century in international T20, is relishing the chance to play in his first IPL.

“It’s always exciting this format,” said the 23-year-old.

“It’s going to be an exciting championship and it’s great to be with a good bunch of players.

“I hope to score some hundreds but if I can contribute to a number of wins then I will be pleased.”