By Raza Ruman
(Pakdestiny.com) Although ICC has played down ‘fixing allegations’ in the third ODI match played in Sharjah, UAE, between Pakistan and England it is being investigated thoroughly.
Since tainted former Test Cricketer Waqar Younis is looking after the affairs of the Pakistani team and Shoiab Malik is back in the ground the fixing cannot be ruled out. Some former English cricketers have also smelt rat in it.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, it is being understood that investigators from the ICC’s anti-corruption unit have requested data from international betting markets about match-fixing.
Pakistan showcased a dismal outing on all aspects on the field as England won the match by six wickets.
What prompted ICC to look into the match was Pakistan’s collapse from 132 for two to 208 all out. Their innings included three farcical run-outs. While fielding Pakistan dropped three catches in the field and missed a stumping.
Further reports claim that officials were tipped off after the toss in Sharjah that the illegal Indian betting market, worth billions of dollars per game, was expecting Pakistan to give a shabby performance. Officers were also said to be warned about potential corruption before the series began.
Rumours were running rife that among bookmakers in the country, there could at least be an attempt to manipulate the betting odds in favour of syndicates. The ICC had received intelligence that these in turn could be betted on huge sums. Pak Destiny
