Can’t say there won’t be fixing in cricket: ICC chief Dave Richardson

On a day the Indian cricket board handed a life ban to a player for his role in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal and suspended another, the International Cricket Council has said it can’t stop fixing but is doing all it can to punish the culprits.

On a day the Indian cricket board handed a life ban to a player for his role in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal and suspended another, the International Cricket Council has said it can’t stop fixing but is doing all it can to punish the culprits.

On a day the Indian cricket board handed a life ban to a player for his role in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal and suspended another, the International Cricket Council has said it can’t stop fixing but is doing all it can to punish the culprits.(File Photo)

Ajit Chandila, who was arrested with fellow Rajasthan Royals players S Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan, was banned for life by the BCCI’s disciplinary panel on Monday. Hiken Shah was banned for five years for trying to persuade a player to underperform.

Cricket South Africa is investigating allegations that eight players, including four who have played for South Africa, were offered around Rs 33 lakh for spot-fixing in its domestic T20 league. Gulam Bodi, an India-born South Africa player, has been charged.

ICC CEO Dave Richardson sees a positive in every exposure. “The reason we got to know what was happening there was because players had reported the approaches. So, the education programme is working. That is not to say that we can guarantee there will be no fixing of matches,” the former South Africa wicketkeeper told HT.

“Certainly, when we find about it, no stone will be left unturned to make sure the matter is investigated proactively, and if necessary, prosecutions are made.” However, he declined to comment on the probe in his home country.

“Firstly, it’s being done under the aegis of Cricket South Africa (CSA) and I am not absolutely aware of the details. It’s better not to comment on ongoing investigation. But ICC’s ACSU (anti-corruption and security unit) and CSA have all the information about the latest findings and are investigating the allegations.”

Read: IPL spot fixing: Chandila gets life ban, Hiken Shah suspended for 5 yrs

Gulam Bodi was named on Sunday as an intermediary and charged with contriving to fix, or improperly influence aspects of the 2015 RAM SLAM T20 Challenge Series and with failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to co-operate with an investigation carried out by CSA’s designated anti-corruption official.

Richardson rejected any criticism of ICC in combating the menace. “If there is no investigation or prosecution then people say what is the ICC doing about corruption.

Our focus is all about education, prevention and disruption, but if that doesn’t work and we do find players getting involved that should not then a proactive investigation and prosecution (is carried out) without any tolerance,” he added.

Read: Punishment not enough, BCCI needs a rehabilitation plan