Cricket chiefs step up war on illegal betting

LONDON: Cricket chiefs on Saturday opened up a new front in the war on match-fixing – by teaming up with an online betting firm.

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) signed a memorandum of understanding with betting exchange company Betfair. The ICC said in a statement that the aim of the agreement is to help protect the integrity of international cricket which has been dogged by allegations of match-fixing and illegal betting in recent years.

Under the agreement, the ACSU will be able to request information which they hope will identify individuals behind activity which has given rise to strong suspicion that corruption may have taken place.

“Over recent years cricket has come a long way in tackling the evils of corruption but it can never relax and become complacent,” said ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed.

“This agreement is part of our on-going commitment to the eradication of conduct of a corrupt nature prejudicial to the interests of the game.” The agreement will operate in a similar manner to those previously agreed by Betfair with the Jockey Club of Great Britain and the Association of Tennis Professionals. “We are delighted to be able to widen the breadth of agreements we have with the governing bodies of sport,” said Mark Davies, Betfair’s Director of Communications.

“Working closely with administrators, and allowing them access to the information we have, is the best way to ensure that sport is kept free of crime. “Betfair has no vested interest in the outcome of any event and our interests are absolutely in line with those who run the events. This is good news for the integrity of sport.” —AFP

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