The world of snooker has been rocked by allegations of bribes being offered to a player to under-perform in certain frames. But cricket is not immune from financial scandal and indeed allegations have been made that at least one East League cricketer has taken part in similarly crooked activities.
Concerns were raised when an unnamed East League Div 1 allrounder (referred to only as Player X) performed suspiciously poorly in a match on Saturday 1st May. Leaving a ball headed for his leg stump aroused some suspicion* but his bowling spell is the main focus of investigation. In the 2009 season Player X had bowled several fine spells (including having a leading SNCL Premier batsman 'on toast') and conceded a respectable average of 4.15 rpo. However, in the spell under scrutiny, he conceded a barely credible 9.8 per over. Anyone 'spread-betting' on his spell could have made a fortune - several apparently did.
Fingers have also been pointed at Player X's captain for giving Player X a second spell (unwarranted in the eyes of most observers**). However, the authorities have made little headway on this line of investigation; not least because the two gentlemen mentioned have denied being the captain during the suspicious match.
A paper trail appears to connect this player and Malaysian betting syndicates who - it is believed - regularly place bets of 100 thousand Dollars on East League matches***. Though he has angrily refuted these allegations, this photo (shot by a member of our undercover team) shows Player X receiving gifts from a couple of dubious characters: both with connections (past and present) to shady financial institutions as well as the Russian Mafia. Such links would help explain how Player X funds his lavish lifestyle.
Player X has been unavailable for further comment but one can surely read much from his decision to withdraw from his club's next 2 league fixtures.
* Especially given that he asked his batting partner whether he had more or less than 10 runs (he had 8) the ball before his dismissal.
**including an undercover ESCA representative, posing as a Holy Cross player with a injured hand.
***Who can forget the millions of dollars made by one investor who regularly placed a massive accumulator bet on one Div 1 side to lose their final match of each league campaign. It cannot be denied that each year the team in question has indeed consistently badly 'under-performed' in their final fixture. The same club was the target of such an allegation made by members of a current East League Div 2 side who believe they witnessed an obvious example of 'match-throwing' at Myreside on the last Saturday of the 2009 season.
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As a semi professional sports trader / gambling evaluator I believe the real money or gravy as we call it in gambling circles is to be made on which Holy Cross bowlers only bowl at certain ends during games. Indeed the much veted 1.01 certainty (I will explain to any non gamblers) of which Liverpool recovering and beating AC Milan is the best example could easily be applied to HC bowlers turning white and resorting to full bungers and half twackers when being asked to bowl from the 'Harbour end'.
ReplyDeleteLike Mr H. I strongly refute any allegations of having received any inside information or 'donations' to allow said bowler to carry on. I play only for the love of the game and I have never intentionally played a bad shot, although I have indeed played several unitentionally due to a lack of basic technique.
I shall consult my mentor, the spirit of Brian Clough who came to me in my dreams and said Bonfield at Three, Bonfield at Three. Perhaps I mis interpreted that his advice of Bimbo will score, Bimbo will score was indeed for a cricketing moment. Anyway, I believe my defense is complete, any further accusations will be dealt with by my legal consul and full time skipper Judge EC Smith. I believe he charges one pint per over, and two pints if its from the Boarded Up Changing Rooms End.
A bad day for Bainbridge fans it has to be said. I'd like to formally apologise to the surprising number of Crossers who selected me for their fantasy teams. Rest assured there is a lot of cricket left to play this season and whilst I may be away for the next few weeks (due to the nuptuals (?) of the blessed soul who introduced me to the Cross), I will have a long hard look in the mirror, leave the past where it belongs, pull up my socks and turn over a new leaf.
ReplyDeleteThat said I've heard it's a good tea in the thirds.
'As a semi professional sports trader / gambling evaluator I believe the real money or gravy as we call it in gambling circles is to be made on which Holy Cross bowlers only bowl at certain ends during games. Indeed the much veted 1.01 certainty (I will explain to any non gamblers) of which Liverpool recovering and beating AC Milan is the best example could easily be applied to HC bowlers turning white and resorting to full bungers and half twackers when being asked to bowl from the 'Harbour end'.'
ReplyDeleteFigures From Saturday.
Ferry Road/ Harbour End
19.1 overs, 3 maidens, 5 wickets, 108 runs
Inverleith Park/ Newfield/ Castle/ Stockbridge Tap/ Boarded Up Changing Rooms End:
19 overs, 4 maidens, 5 wickets, 57 runs.
think Player X's friends in Malaysia might have had some impact there!
would KF comment on this result (perhaps he witnessed it?):
ReplyDeletehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8658858.stm
suspect??