Posted by Blogger Name. Category:
Anti-corruption unit
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Cricket
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David White
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ICC
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Lou Vincent
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Match-fixing
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New Zealand Cricket
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Spot-fixing
Match-fixing and spot-fixing are a blight on sport, and especially on cricket. And former New Zealand player Lou Vincent has blown the whistle on what sounds like a reasonably significant dose of corruption in cricket; the Herald reports:
Investigations into cricket match-fixing allegations have taken a twist, with the revelation New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum rebuffed an approach to manipulate a game.
No details on dates or games have been confirmed, but multiple sources have corroborated the approach.
The Herald understands International Cricket Council anti-corruption officers interviewed and he confirmed being approached.
During a hastily arranged press conference at NZ Cricket headquarters in Auckland yesterday, an attempt was made to pin chief executive David White down on a possible McCullum connection.
"Sorry, I cannot say any more as it could jeopardise further investigations," White said.
The press conference was called to respond to a story in London's Daily Telegraph that suggested former Black Cap Lou Vincent was seeking a plea bargain for full disclosure of his involvement in spot- and match-fixing.
McCullum is playing in the Indian Premier League for the Chennai Super Kings. It is understood he immediately and emphatically rejected the approach. Approached by the Herald last night, he had no comment.
White did confirm that matches involving the Auckland Aces in South Africa at the 2012 Champions League - an international Twenty20 competition - were under anti-corruption investigation, a story broken in the Herald in December.
"No games played in New Zealand are being investigated by the ICC," White said. "No current Black Caps are being investigated. No matches involving New Zealand national
"However, we have been informed by the ICC that some Auckland Aces matches in the Champions League in South Africa in 2012 are being investigated.
Regular readers will be aware that of all the sports we follow, cricket is our first love. The manner in which the whole sport has been brought into disrepute by dodgy, shady characters seeking to make a profit is heart-breaking.
Lou Vincent deserves some credit for coming forward and being completely open about his involvement, and that of players around him. The bookies target vulnerable players, and Vincent, with his history of depression certainly fits that profile. That does not in any way excuse his participation in anything illegal, if that is what he has admitted. But by breaking ranks and fronting up, he may help to identify some of those who are pulling the strings of players around the globe.
Cricket used to be the gentleman's game. These days, there is a dark cloud over the sport due to the illegal activities of those prepared to hang the game out to dry for the sake of a quick buck. On one hand we condemn Lou Vincent for succumbing to temptation, but on the other we commend him for being honest about his involvement, and for trying to put things right.
