‘No evidence’ Ashes Test is at risk of corruption, say ICC governors

Cricket’s global governors insist there is no evidence the ongoing Ashes is in danger of corruption.

Alex Marshall, general manager of the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption unit, held a conference call with the body’s chief executive Dave Richardson and English and Australian counterparts following allegations published in The Sun newspaper.

Marshall and Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland have both spelled out, following those conversations, that there is no indication any player has been in contact with alleged fixers.

The Sun claimed on Wednesday night, before start of play in the third Test at Perth, that two Indian bookmakers had asked undercover reporters for up to £140,000 to fix passages of play, such as the number of runs scored in a given over.

Marshall said: “From my initial assessment of the material, there is no evidence, either from The Sun or via our own intelligence, to suggest the current Test Match has been corrupted.

“At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication that any players in this Test have been in contact with the alleged fixers.

“The allegations are wide-ranging and relate to various forms of cricket in several countries, including T20 tournaments. We will look closely at all the information as part of our investigation.”

CA released a statement in which the allegations were acknowledged to be “of serious concern” – adding the national board will co-operate fully with any anti-corruption unit investigation.

In a subsequent briefing, Sutherland referenced his discussions with Marshall, Richardson and England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison.

He said: “There is no evidence, substance or justification based on the dossier of information the ICC has received from the ICC intelligence.

“There is no substance that this Test match or the Ashes series is subject to corrupt activities.

“There is no evidence, substance or justification that any player on either side or match official is under suspicion or (has) been contacted by alleged fixers.”

Sutherland voiced CA’s confidence in Australian players but was careful to add too that there will be no complacency on the issue.

“We have absolute confidence in our players, team officials and others involved in our game,” he said.

“Our players are educated on a regular basis on the risk of corruption in our game. We have zero-tolerance approach to anti-corruption and we take seriously any allegations that undermine the integrity of our sport.

“I don’t think anyone should believe we are complacent on this issue, and we are aware of the risks of corruption in cricket.”

An ECB spokesman confirmed ”there is no suggestion that any of the England team is involved in any way”.

He added: ”ECB work closely with the ICC and their anti-corruption unit to protect the integrity of the international game.”