New Zealand says skipper McCullum not corrupt

Image
AFP Wellington
Last Updated : May 19 2014 | 9:41 AM IST
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) today said that Blacks Caps captain Brendon McCullum was not under investigation for corruption after reports surfaced that he was approached to fix matches in 2008.
NZC said it was "dismayed" that McCullum's testimony to the International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption unit had been leaked to the British media, saying the big-hitting Kiwi skipper was committed to cleaning up the game.
"We can confirm that Brendon is NOT under investigation by the ICC and his testimony has actually been applauded by them," it said in a statement.
"NZC has 100 percent confidence in our captain and his role in tackling corruption."
Britain's Daily Mail reported online today that McCullum told investigators he was approached by a "world renowned former cricketer" twice in 2008, first in Kolkata ahead of the inaugural Indian Premier League, then during New Zealand's tour of England later that year.
McCullum reportedly said the former star, player X, whom he described as "a hero who became a friend", offered him up to 107,000 pounds (USD 180,000) to underperform in matches.
The New Zealander, who gained the national captaincy in late 2012 and this year became the first Kiwi to hit a Test triple century, said he was "shell shocked" at the approach and told investigators he had never fixed a match.
"(X) said that the 'Big Boys' in international cricket were doing it and he didn't want me to miss out," the Mail reported.
"I am sure that he mentioned names to me but I cannot remember, although I seem to think that X mainly mentioned Asian cricketers."
Player X is believed to be the same person who former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent admitted to the corruption probe that he fixed matches for, it said.
Vincent is believed to have agreed a plea bargain in the hope of avoiding a criminal prosecution for his involvement in and knowledge of spot-fixing in five or more countries between 2008-2012.
Vincent was revealed last December to have been under investigation along with fellow New Zealanders Chris Cairns and Daryl Tuffey over allegations of match-fixing.
He later confirmed he had been approached by bookmakers.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 19 2014 | 9:41 AM IST

Next Story