Majority of ongoing match-fixing cases have links to corruptors in India: ICC official

Fixing has been a long-term issue for cricket. Whether it is match-fixing and spot-fixing, the majority of the cases over the years have been traced back to the sub-continent. Compared to other parts of the world, players and conspirators have been often traced back to the sub-continent. 

At this moment, most of the fixing cases which are being investigated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) have their corruptors in India. The issue doesn’t end at the big leagues. The problem which has popped up in front of the ICC and the BCCI is actually the protection of the game’s integrity at the small level.

It has been reported that the corruptors are now targetting state leagues as well as lesser-known live competitions instead of major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL).

India should have criminal laws for match-fixing: ICC official

According to Steve Richardson, coordinator of investigations, International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unite (ACU), there are 50 investigations pending related to India. He went on to mention that there hasn’t been any high-profile cricketer involved with these investigations as of now. 

“We have 50 investigations that we are undertaking and the majority have links to corruptors in India,” Steve Richardson was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

“Of late, no high-profile Indian cricketer may have come under the lens, but the player-bookie nexus goes unabated. Players are the final link in the chain. Problem is with people who organise corruption, who pay the players; who sit outside the sport. I can deliver eight names to Indian governing agencies who are serial offenders and constantly approach the players,” he added.

Unlike Sri Lanka match-fixing or fixing, in general, is not a criminal offence in India. If this is put into place sometime in the future, maybe things will be better in India. The officials of the ACU also talked about this thing. Richardson, in fact, said the hands are tied of the Indian board. 

“Sri Lanka was the first nation that brought a match-fixing law. For that reason, Sri Lanka cricket is better protected now. In Australia’s case, we are very proactive. At the moment, with no legislation in place in India, they are operating with one hand tied up,” said Richardson.

Richardson also pointed out the need to have legislation with the future in mind. India is due to host ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021 and ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023. 

“In Australia, they can stop someone coming to their country before the tournament. India too has ICC events coming up with the T20 World Cup (2021) and the 2023 ODI World Cup. The legislation would be a game-changer,” he further stated.