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England cricketers cleared of match-fixing

Three England cricketers were cleared of allegations of match-fixing by an England and Wales Cricket Board inquiry on Thursday.

This follows a newspaper article by former England all-rounder Chris Lewis, making public allegations by an Indian businessman, that three England players had received money for fixing the outcome of matches.

Gerard Elias, QC, chairman of the ECB's discipline standing committee, issued the following statement relating to the allegations of betting and match-fixing:

"Having been given information by Chris Lewis at a meeting on April 18, following an article under his name in a Sunday newspaper, I have investigated the matter and met with police officers of New Scotland Yard.

"As a result, I conclude that there is no evidence whatsoever to justify the bringing of disciplinary charges in relation to betting and/or match-fixing against any member of the England international squad, past or present.

"All the information to which I have been privy is in the hands of the police and I understand that their investigation continues into wider aspects of allegations of match-fixing, including the possible involvement of third parties who may have attempted to 'recruit' players or officials in England or elsewhere.

"The discipline committee of the board will remain vigilant to consider any evidence which may become available at any time in the future in relation to allegations of this nature, and the board will continue to provide whatever assistance it can to the police and the ICC in its efforts to root out any wrongdoer and eradicate the stain of corruption from the game of cricket."

Agencies