Weekly integrity in sport update from INTERPOL 16-22 November 2015

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In this week’s recap, we have two investigations involving possible match-fixing having occurred during cricket matches. In one investigation, related to a match between England and Pakistan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption unit became aware of possible match-fixing after monitoring suspicious gambling patterns in the international betting markets. Sri Lanka Cricket has also suspended its former administrator for dodging an ICC match-fixing investigation where it was alleged that he shared pitch information.

As part of an awareness campaign, Italy's football League A in partnership with Sportradar is holding workshops across the country for senior and youth clubs on the dangers of match-fixing and what to do when approached.

CURRENT INVESTIGATION

India

Kanga League, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)’s famous local tournament, finds itself in the middle of a controversy involving allegations of match-fixing and manipulation as an ‘A’ division game between Muslim United and Apollo at Islam Gymkhana is under the scanner.

Two clubs have written a letter to MCA alleging match fixing took place to help avoid relegation. The Karnatak Sporting Association and Sainath Sports Club have written a letter asking the MCA to probe and initiate action against the teams that are alleged of “fixing the game.” In a letter sent by both the clubs, which is in possession of The Indian Express, KSA secretary Jaya Shetty wrote to the MCA saying, “The concluding match of this season created a bad name to tournament by fixing a crucial match to avoid relegation to lower division (Sic).”

Source: AP, "Allegations of fixing in Kanga League; two clubs write to the Mumbai Cricket Association", 20 November 2015, The Indian Express, https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/allegations-of-fixing-in-kanga-league-two-clubs-write-to-mumbai-cricket-association/

United Kingdom

England’s win over Pakistan in the third one-day international is being investigated for corruption, according to reports. The investigation comes after an erratic performance by Pakistan, with Azhar Ali’s side collapsing from 132 for two to 208 all out, dropping three catches, missing a stumping and losing three wickets to run-outs.

According to the Daily Mail, the ICC’s anti-corruption unit have requested data from international betting markets after suspicious gambling patterns raised alarm. The ICC was reportedly told that double the ‘usual’ amount of money was bet on Pakistan, with England surprisingly being made the heavy favourites for a one-day match in the UAE.

Pakistan became favourites to win when they were just two wickets down, but their batting collapse drastically reversed the odds. Those with prior knowledge about a batting collapse can make huge sums from switches in odds, with the ICC reportedly receiving intelligence before the match that there could at least be an effort to change them.

Source: Will Giles, "England victory over Pakistan in third ODI being investigated by ICC for corruption – report", 20 November 2015, Metro, https://metro.co.uk/2015/11/20/england-victory-over-pakistan-in-third-odi-being-investigated-for-match-fixing-report-5515916/

Wednesday, 25 November 2015