Two teams wagering money on both sides to play cricket or any other game.

Respected scholars and honorable Muftis, what is your ruling regarding the following matter: Among our friends, we play volleyball or cricket. If we do not place a stake on the game, the players do not play with seriousness. Therefore, we have suggested a method that whichever team loses; each player of that team contributes ten rupees. This money is collected with one person, and it is later used to purchase sports equipment whenever needed. We would like to know, in the light of Shariah, whether this proposed method is permissible or not. If it is not correct, then please suggest an alternative method whereby we can avoid gambling, yet still play with seriousness and enthusiasm, because when money is involved in this way, the players put in more effort and play with greater interest.

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

Placing money from both sides to play cricket or any other game is impermissible in Shariah and constitutes gambling. Therefore, the proposed method of playing cricket in this manner must be avoided. However, if a participation fee is collected from all players and the organizers are made the rightful owners of that amount, then afterwards, if they choose to give a prize from that money to any player who performs well, they have the discretion to do so. This arrangement is permissible according to Shariah.

مأخَذُ الفَتوی

ففي الدر المختار : (إن شرط المال ) في المسابقة (من جانب واحد وحرم لو شرط) فيها (من الجانبين) لأنه يصير قمارا اھ (6/ 403)۔
وفي حاشية ابن عابدين:(قوله من جانب واحد) أو من ثالث بأن يقول أحدهما لصاحبه إن سبقتني أعطيتك كذا، وإن سبقتك لا آخذ منك شيئا أو يقول الأمير لفارسين أو راميين من سبق منكما فله كذا، وإن سبق فلا شيء له اختيار وغرر الأفكار (قوله من الجانبين) بأن يقول إن سبق فرسك فلك علي كذا، وإن سبق فرسي فلي عليك كذا زيلعي اھ (6/ 403)۔