Third test spot-fixing investigation
The International Cricket Council is investigating claims of spotfixing in the Ashes after an English newspaper sting uncovered attempts from Indian bookmakers to fix the third test in Perth.
After conducting a four-month investigation, The Sun reported that two bookmakers offered to sell them details of rigged periods of play which could be bet on to win millions of dollars.
The bookies were reported to have asked for up to £140,000 ($267,000) to spot-fix markets such as the exact amount of runs scored in an over.
One bookie, referred to as ‘Mr Big’, said he would specify the amount of runs to be scored in a certain over before the match, with bets to be placed during that over.
He said players would signal the fix was on by making subtle gestures on the field, such as changing their gloves.
Spotters in the crowd would then tell bookies who quickly bet millions in the underground Indian market.
They claimed to be working with a fixer in Australian cricket known as ‘The Silent Man’, who allegedly works with former and current internationals, including a ‘‘World Cup-winning all-rounder’’.
The Sun said the pair listed players who worked as their ‘‘puppets’’, although no players were named in the report.
It also said no current England players were named as involved.
The Sun has posted footage in which the two men also discuss how they claim to distort elements of Twenty20 cricket games in Australia and India.
‘‘You want to see something magic in the Big Bash? Big Bash we can do, winning and loss,’’ one man says in the clip, claiming he has connections with Australia, South Africa and Pakistan players.
‘‘In Big Bash we will get four to five matches confirmed news.’’
Corrupt players would allegedly signal the fix is on by using subtle gestures, such as changing their batting gloves or aborting their bowling run-up.
Individuals at the ground would then relay this information to bookmakers.
A statement from the ICC said the revelations were of ‘‘grave concern’’.
‘‘We take all allegations of corruption seriously and welcome The Sun’s offer to share this information.’’