India TV claims prompt ICC match-fixing probe of umpire launch
'Urgent investigation' launched by governing body after allegations by an Indian TV station that six Asian umpires fixed matches for money
The International Cricket Council has launched an "urgent investigation" following allegations by an Indian television station that several umpires were willing to fix matches for money.
India TV on Monday broadcast footage of a sting operation, undertaken by undercover reporters in July, August and September, that purportedly exposes six international-level umpires from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The ICC said none of the six officiated in any official matches at the World Twenty20, which finished on Sunday and was won by the West Indies.
"The ICC and its relevant members have been made aware of the allegations made by India TV this evening and calls on the station to turn over any information which can assist the ICC's urgent investigations into this matter," the ICC said.
"The ICC reiterates its zero-tolerance toward corruption whether alleged against players or officials."
India TV showed footage of Pakistan's Nadeem Ghauri, Nadir Shah of Bangladesh, part of the ICC international panel of umpires, and Sagara Gallage of Sri Lanka agreeing to give favourable decisions in exchange for umpiring contracts and money.
While Ghauri and Shah appeared to agree to give wrong decisions, Gallage was ready to pass on information about the toss, the pitch and weather conditions in a match before it was available to the public.
Shah flatly denied the allegations made against him. "This is a plot to malign my character. I was taken to Delhi by a Bangladeshi agent to sign a contract for umpiring in the Sri Lanka Premier League," he said.