Former New Zealand star all-rounder Chris Cairns has been implicated in a match-fixing scandal, along with other former Black Caps Daryl Tuffey and Lou Vincent. The trio are currently being investigated by the ICC, although as yet none of the three have been formally charged, according to reports that have appeared in the New Zealand Herald.
It is thought that the players, who have allegedly been under scrutiny for the past four months, are being investigated for both match and spot fixing that took place in a number of countries. The ICC has not disputed anything reported by the newspaper.
All three players are believed to be co-operating with investigators from the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), with 35-year-old former test batsman Vincent saying, “This investigation is bound by a number of rules and regulations that mean I am unable to make any further public comment. I will personally talk to the public when I am able to. In the meantime I cannot comment. Please respect me and my family’s privacy until such time.”
Chris Cairns, who is the son of former New Zealand Player Lance, is one of the country’s most esteemed cricketers, playing 279 times for his country in all forms of the game. He is the fourth highest wicket-taker in Black Caps history, and in the top 10 run scorers, having made 3320 runs in tests. He is also in the top five batsmen and bowlers in limited overs cricket.
Cairns has responded to the newspaper reports by saying that he is “completely in the dark” about the allegations that he is under investigation and that he has not been formally contacted by the ICC. “No representative of the ICC, New Zealand Cricket or the New Zealand Players’ Association has contacted me in regard to any connection by me to an investigation into alleged fixing.” In a statement, Cairns also brought attention to the fact that a British judge last year ruled in his favour in a libel trial against the ex-Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi, who had previously accused the Kiwi star of being involved in match fixing.
New Zealand cricket is reportedly “shocked and surprised by the allegations.” Chief Executive David White has said, “We support the ICC’s investigation as corruption has no place in our sport. However, I would like to clarify a number of matters. Firstly, no current New Zealand players are being investigated. No games played in New Zealand are being investigated. And lastly, no matches under New Zealand Cricket’s jurisdiction are being investigated.”
