Indian ‘Fixers’ Make Ashes Spot-Fixing Claims, Say They Fixed IPL

A report from The Sun claims to have exposed two spot-fixers who offered details of rigged play in the Perth Test.

Spot-fixing allegations have taken the spotlight in the run-up to the imperative third Ashes Test at the WACA.

The Sun, claimed in a report that two of the newspaper’s undercover reporters were asked for sums as high as $187,000, for details of rigged play during the match. The details weren’t confined to the Perth Test alone, and could even involve Indian cricket.

The report adds that the undercover reporters were offered details of how the match would play out, including the exact number of runs scored in individual overs.

The report quotes the two alleged fixers, believed to be Indian, saying, “Before the match. I will tell you what over, and how many runs, and then you place all your bets on that over.”

It adds that the players involved then signal that the fixed play is on by making a subtle gesture on the field, like changing their gloves.

‘We’ve Fixed 17 to 18 IPL matches’

The Sun report adds that the men claimed they could also fix matches in other T20 leagues including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash.

The fixers added that the gang don’t often arrange fixes on the first and last matches of series, in an effort to avoid suspicion.

The report quotes the fixers as saying that they’ve fixed 17 to 18 matches involving two IPL teams.

Alleged Fixer 1: Sobers Joban

The Sun report names Sobers Joban as a former Indian state cricketer who boasted how he is the man tasked as the go-between to crooked players. They add that Joban, 31, claimed he once played on the same team as current Indian captain Virat Kohli for Delhi’s team.

The report adds that Joban has a house in Delhi’s Vasant Vihar.

His social media profiles boasts a lifestyle in which he is often travelling around the world on extravagant holidays.

Alleged Fixer 2: Priyank Saxena

Alleged bookmaker and Joban’s partner Priyank Saxena has business interests in South Africa. The report adds that he’s believed to be behind the operation working hand-in-hand with corrupt cricketers.

The report however, doesn’t name specific players from either team.

Alex Marshall, General Manager, Anti Corruption, International Cricket Council said that there was “no evidence” at present to back spot-fixing claims in the Perth Test.

From my initial assessment of the material, there is no evidence, either from The Sun or our own intelligence, to suggest that the current Test match has been corrupted. At this stage, there is no indication that any players in this Test have been in contact with the alleged fixer.

ICC Statement

“There are several allegations which relate to various forms of cricket across countries, including T20 tournaments. We will closely scrutinise the information. Anyone with details of these allegations should get in touch with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit on [e-mail], ICC Delhi,” the statement read.

A report by ESPN quoted Australian officials saying that they have a zero tolerance approach to spot-fixing, and would co-operate fully with the ICC investigation.

ESPN quoted a spokesman for the England & Wales Cricket Board assuring their cooperation with the investigation stating, "The ECB works closely with the ICC to protect the integrity of cricket. We are aware of the allegations and there is no suggestion that any of the England team is involved."

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(With inputs from The Sun & ESPN)

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