XtraTime Web Desk: India is currently the hub of cricket match fixing revealed Steve Richardson, the co-coordinator of investigations of International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti Corruption Unit. In latest investigations by ICC ACU it was found that most of the matches fixing cases are linked in India.
The report also said that the match fixers are not targeting big events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) but have set their sights on state leagues and lesser known tournaments.
According to Steve Richardson, “We have 50 investigations that we are undertaking and majority have links to corruptors in India.”
He added, “Of late, no high-profile Indian cricketer may have come under the lens, but the player-bookie nexus goes unabated. Players are the final link in the chain. Problem is with people who organize corruption, who pay the players; who sit outside the sport.”
I can deliver eight names to Indian governing agencies who are serial offenders and constantly approach the players,” he added.
The ACU officials also stressed the importance of having a law in India in order to curb match fixing. The match fixing laws would ensure harsh punishments for the offenders.
“Sri Lanka was the first nation that brought a match-fixing law. For that reason, Sri Lanka cricket is better protected now. In Australia’s case, we are very proactive. At the moment, with no legislation in place in India, they are operating with one hand tied up,” said Richardson.