MUMBAI: At present, most of the match-fixing cases which are being investigated by the International Cricket Council have originated from India, Steve Richardson, coordinator of investigations at ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unite (ACU), has revealed.
As per reports, fixers are now targeting state leagues as well as lesser-known competitions rather than the major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Richardson noted that 50 studies are pending related to India. Richardson however clarified that that there has not been any high-profile cricketer involved with these investigations as of now.
“We have 50 investigations that we are undertaking and the majority have links to corruptors in India,” said Richardson Saturday during a webinar on Sports Law and Policy.
“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 organise 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 pointed out.
Richardson stated that no significant change would happen until match-fixing is made a criminal offence in India. He gave the example of Sri Lanka cricket and said they have controlled things by coming up with a match-fixing law.
“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,” Richardson further added.
Richardson articulated that India is supposed to host ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021 and ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023, therefore, India needs this kind of law.
“In Australia, they can stop someone coming to their country before the tournament. India too has ICC events coming up with the T20 World Cup (2021) and the 2023 ODI World Cup. The legislation would be a game-changer,” concluded Richardson.
