Cairns confirmed as 'Player X'

Cricket365
May 20, 2014

Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns has been revealed as the so-called "Player X" in an ongoing investigation into spot- and match-fixing by the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption and security unit.

According to reports in The New Zealand Herald, Cairns has been implicated in the testimonies of current captain Brendon McCullum and erstwhile batsman Lou Vincent. He has, however, denied the allegations.

"I am aware that Lou and Brendon have made a range of allegations against a cricketer dubbed Player X. It is well known that the ICC's ACSU has been investigating allegations of corruption and my name has been linked by others to these allegations. I am being asked whether I am Player X," erstwhile captain Cairns told Fairfax.

"Based on the limited information I have received during this investigation, I believe it is being alleged that I am that player. These allegations against me are a complete lie."

New Zealand Cricket, meanwhile, have confirmed McCullum is not under investigation. The Daily Mail recently published parts of McCullum's statements to the ICC ACSU, which reportedly revealed an illegal approach by a former player during the first edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008.

"New Zealand Cricket is dismayed that Brendon's testimony to the International Cricket Council has been leaked to the media," read a statement from NZC.

"We can confirm that Brendon is not under investigation by the ICC and his testimony has actually been applauded by them. NZC has 100 percent confidence in our captain and his role in tackling corruption."

Vincent recently revealed involvement in an ICC anti-corruption investigation in February last year. He had allegedly been approached by an illegal bookmaker during the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League.