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Media report says some 2011 ICC World Cup matches may have been 'fixed'
In a startling revelation, a media report has brought to light a confidential report filed by the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit indicating that some matches of the 2011 World Cup played in the sub-continent may have been 'fixed.'
A report in the UK's Daily Mail website says that the ACSU submitted a confidential report indicating that a few 2011 World Cup matches may been fixed. India, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, won the tournament defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on April 2.
Informed sources tell NDTV.com that the ACSU did make a regular presentation to the ICC in January 2012. The presentation was for "internal purposes" and not discussed at the ICC Executive Board's level. The ICC usually refrains from commenting on ACSU's activities. It also has a zero-tolerance on illegal activities like fixing and betting.
The ACSU said in its report that the match-fixing menace continued in the Indian Premier League and the same betting gang that operated during the World Cup, was at work again. A total of 470 matches and more than 200 practice sessions were covered by the ACSU to compile the report, the website reported. As a practice, all international matches are under ACSU surveillance.
The 41-page report named the gang's mastermind as "SB", whose activities were tracked since 2010. "Five mobile numbers were identified and itemised billing details obtained for each. SB's each move, including trips to Sri Lanka and Dubai in 2011, were tracked, as were his business dealings," the report states.
Several high-profile players of different teams were believed to be in contact with bookies. One of the bookies allegedly offered Rs 50 lakh to the brother of a top player to throw a match. Top players reported to the ACSU that they were approached by bookies.
ACSU is not a law-enforcing body. It can at best investigate and recommend. For example, the Indian Board has an anti-corruption unit. It investigated the IPL match-fixing and betting allegations and recommended quantum of bans on erring players. BCCI finally banned former India and Rajasthan Royals' Sreesanth for life.
