Cricket has been in the headlines this week, over allegations of New Zealand players being involved match-fixing, after two players’ testimony was leaked to the media.
Last week, British media published excerpts of confidential statements from former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent, who had earlier said he was co-operating with the International Cricket Council (ICC) investigators, and current captain Brendon McCullum.
This morning, Radio New Zealand reported former Former Black Cap fast bowler Daryl Tuffey is threatening to sue anyone who makes false accusations against him.
Tuffey, along with Lou Vincent and Chris Cairns, is part of an investigation by the ICC into match-fixing – which is also now investigating the leaks.
We asked people in downtown Wellington what they thought about the allegations.
McCullum will hold a press conference today. His lawyer Garth Gallaway told Morning Report McCullum has cooperated fully with the investigation, and has been supported wonderfully by New Zealand cricket.
The leaked testimonies allowed the New Zealand Herald to name former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns as “Player X”, the figure alleged by Vincent and McCullum to be a ringleader of fixing operations.
Cairns has acknowledged that he is Player X, but has always denied match-fixing allegations.
The newspaper reported McCullum met somebody he described as his “hero” in the lobby of a hotel on the eve of the inaugural Indian Premier League to discuss a business opportunity. The player explained to McCullum the intricacies of spread betting. McCullum was told he could secure up to $210,000 a game.
The head of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZPCA) says he's been fielding calls from players concerned their testimonies to the ICC's anti-corruption unit could be the next to be made public.
In the wake of McCullum and Vincent's testimonies being leaked, NZCPA chief executive Heath Mills says there is nervousness among players, but wouldn't name those involved.
Cover image: Photo NZ