ness organisation FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) has welcomed the suggestion from a committee led by Justice R.M Lodha to legalise sports betting in India.

Since 2012 FICCI has been supporting the legalisation of sports betting in the country and has pushed this agenda with the central and state governments.

A FICCI statement said: "The revenue earned from betting can be utilised to augment infrastructure for other sports and enhance tourist facilities.

It added: "Globally, sports betting and gambling are being employed to generate funds for good causes and promotion of sports."

FICCI believes that the issue should be discussed with stakeholders in the sports sector before the tabling of any bill in parliament for further debate.

The Lodha-led panel felt that legalising betting would help curb corruption in the sport of cricket.

In 2015, owners of cricket teams Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for betting on matches.