27 October 1998
Gamblers descend on mini world cup
The Daily News
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 :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)