ICC launches probe into England -Pakistan One-Day International

Dubai : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an investigation into activities that took place during the third One-Day International between England and Pakistan at The Oval, London, on Friday (Sept 17).

British tabloid ?The Sun? in an expose claimed that Pakistan?s third one-day match against England was fixed by an illegal betting syndicate.

Following information received by the ICC from a British newspaper and its source, the ICC now believes a full investigation is warranted.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: ?A source informed The Sun newspaper that a certain scoring pattern would emerge during certain stages of the match and, broadly speaking, that information appeared to be correct.

?We therefore feel it is incumbent upon us to launch a full enquiry into this particular game although it is worth pointing out at this stage that we are not stating as fact that anything untoward has occurred. Only in the fullness of the investigation can that be established.

?We thank The Sun newspaper for its information and cooperation in this regard and we will work with its staff and sources to ensure the full truth surrounding this match is ascertained.

?The ICC maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in cricket and, as a matter of course, follows up on all credible information that is received, whatever the source. Any player or official found guilty of an offence will face the full rigour of our robust Anti-Corruption Code so that we can ensure the integrity of the sport is maintained.?

There will be no further comment from the ICC at this stage, a release by ICC said.