Black Caps in spot-fixing scandal

As many as three New Zealand cricket players are being investigated for match-fixing in what could be the biggest sporting scandal in the country's history.

As many as three New Zealand cricket players are being investigated for match-fixing in what could be the biggest sporting scandal in the country's history.

The International Cricket Council confirmed that its anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) has been in New Zealand during the past four months as part of an investigation into match- and spot-fixing.

"It's a difficult situation," New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White told <i>The New Zealand Herald.</i>

"New Zealand Cricket is aware the ICC is investigating some former New Zealand cricketers."

The International Cricket Council issued a statement confirming the investigation.

''… the ICC confirms that it has indeed been working closely over the past few months with its colleagues in the domestic anti-corruption units of Member Boards to investigate these and related matters,'' it said.

"The ICC and all of its members maintain a zero-tolerance attitude towards corruption in the sport, and the ACSU (Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) will continue to collaborate with relevant individuals in order to complete its investigation process."

The newspaper revealed that international stars were involved and that the matches in which the alleged spot-fixing occurred were "historic" of nature.

It also reported that none of the current professional players were involved.

Guilty parties could face bans from cricket ranging from a few years to life, depending on the level of co-operation with the ICC.

Reports suggest that the investigation's findings could provide evidence that New Zealanders are likely to have been involved in the upper reaches of cheating.

Latest