Gamblers descend on mini world cup

The Daily News
27 October 1998



DHAKA, Monday - Gamblers have descended on Bangladesh for the mini World Cup after the International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed concern over possible match-fixing, a tabloid reported Monday.

The Manabzamin daily, quoting unidentified sources, said associates of international bookies were in Dhaka. It added that one major Dubai gambler and one of his associates were scheduled to arrive.

No cricket officials would discuss the report.

The 400,000-dollar mini World Cup, which began at the weekend, features the nine Test-playing nations for the first time outside the World Cup.

The ICC said last week cricketers found guilty of match-fixing will be banned for life if the game's governing body accepts a recommendation made by its affiliate members as the sports image has suffered badly.

The ICC is worried about a match-fixing scandal gripping Pakistani cricket that was bringing disgrace to the ``gentleman's game'' and wanted strict action against culprits.

``We are considering a proposal to impose life bans on players and officials found guilty,'' the official said, adding the existing ICC rule, which imposes a seven-year ban, was inadequate.

The ICC, however, will not hold it's own inquiry but leave the respective cricket boards to investigate, like Pakistan is doing at present, the official said.

A judicial commission in Pakistan is currently investigating betting and match-fixing charges against top players including former captains Wasim Akram and Salim Malik.

Pakistan are at the Dhaka tournament with England, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Australia, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies.

Meanwhile, the Pan-Pacific Sonargaon Hotel where the players have been housed reported non-stop calls from fans since the Indian team arrived late Sunday.

Fans, more girls and than boys, have been stalking the hotel to see players and get their autographs.


Source: The Daily News
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