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Journalism of Courage
A match-fixing scandal has hit English cricket with two Essex county players facing police investigation for allegedly under-performing during the last seasons Pro40 league.
Essex Police said they had been asked to investigate match irregularities by the two unnamed players but refused to elaborate any further. Essex County Cricket Club too refused to comment until the investigation concluded.
According to a report in The Times,a player had been put in touch with a bookmaker by a team mate and had been given incentive to perform poorly in one or more high-profile games in the Pro40 leagues first division,in which Essex came fourth.
Quoting a source,the report said,one of the players is believed to have introduced another to a bookmaker who offered him money if he bowled no balls and wides in one or more limited overs games.
The report said the alleged bet related to how many runs would be conceded by the player in an over. Following allegations about two Essex players involved in match irregularities,we have initiated an investigation and are working closely with Essex County Cricket Club and the ECB, Essex Police said in a statement.
