adminlimited-overs matches — often as much as 15 seconds — can allow bookmakers to manipulate the odds in their favour with the help of observers at the match.
But while a number of spectators were ejected from county matches last season in connection with such activities, the ECB has faith in the anti-corruption unit, and a spokesman told Press Association Sport: “ECB and PCA organise a series of county visits by our anti-corruption officials to each county and all the county players are given very clear guidance on the dangers and the pitfalls around illegal gambling.”
They went on: “We actually were the first national governing body to appoint a dedicated anti-corruption manager and last summer, for the duration of the domestic limited-overs competitions, he employed a small team of anti-corruption officials who were deployed at various limited-overs games to monitor this issue.”
Essex bowler Mervyn Westfield was banned for spot-fixing in relation to a 2010 Pro40 game against Durham, with his then team-mate Danish Kaneria currently challenging a life ban from the sport over his part in that incident.
“We take this issue very seriously, we are proactive in providing the education and guidance to all of our players and similar measures will be in place again this summer,” continued the spokesman.
“Everyone in cricket — players, administrators, counties — we’re all aware that we have to be vigilant, that there can be no complacency around this issue. — AFP.
Online Reporter