Advertisement

McCullum confirms match-fixing approach

New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum has confirmed he was approached to fix matches in New Zealand’s 2008 tour of England and the Indian Premier League.

McCullum also confirmed he has given testimony to the ICC Anti-Corruption Security Unit’s (ACSU) match-fixing probe including giving details of declining an offer to under-perform from someone identified as “Player X”.

“Let me be clear, I have never ever fixed a cricket match. I am 100 per cent behind the fight against corruption in the sport,” he said.

Over the past week, statements given by McCullum and former Black Cap Lou Vincent have been leaked to the media.

The ICC is currently investigating how that happened and launched an injunction against the Daily Mail for publishing details about Vincent’s alleged involvement in match-fixing.

“I gave my testimony to the ICC in good faith so I was shocked when I read it in the media,” McCullum said.

“I hope it does not stop others coming forward in the future as all players need to play their part in stamping out corruption.”

McCullum said he has received support from people all around the world since the leaks and would encourage other players to do their utmost to eliminate illegal betting practices from cricket.

“There’s still a long way to go, I think,” he said.

“Obviously it has been a number of years but in the next little while will probably be quite tough as well, but my role in the investigation is ongoing, so I have to continue to go down that route.

“If one of the players found themselves in the same situation I would certainly encourage them to go down the same route that I have taken.”

Some media identified Chris Cairns, named with Vincent and Darryl Tuffey as being persons of interest to the probe, as ‘Player X’.

“I am aware that former cricketer Lou Vincent and current New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum have made a range of allegations against a cricketer dubbed Player X,” Cairns said in a statement to Fairfax Media.

“It is well known that the ICC/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.

“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.”

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.