Sunny sees the dark side

Gavaskar didn’t disclose the names of the players in concern, but it had been reported earlier that Kolkata Knight Riders’ fast bowler Morne Morkel informed the ICC’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) about a “suspicious approach”

With three players in Ankit Chavan, Ajit Chandila and former Test pacer S Sreesanth caught in the fixing web which marred the sixth season of the IPL, Gavaskar admitted that it was a challenge for him to restore the tournament’s credibility after he was appointed as the tournament head by the apex court. The former opening batsman claimed that he had his team have worked hard to ensure that cricket takes centre-stage again.

“Yes, it was a challenge. In my very first meeting I told everyone that I wanted this IPL to be remembered solely for cricket. I also sought out Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, the four legends of the game, only on the second day after taking over.

They’re the contemporary cricketers and know the current pressure and situation. We had a fantastic interaction and one thing came through, a lot of youngsters need to be guided about handling the (instant) fame that is attached to the IPL. So far we’ve a very good tournament,” said Gavaskar.

He also expressed his serious concern over the ACSU leaks that saw Brendon McCullum’s testimony being accessed by the media. Asked about whether such leaks might make the players iffy in providing details to the ICC in the future, Gavaskar said: “It’s a matter of concern. Obviously players depend on confidentiality while giving such testimonies (to the ACSU). If that confidentiality is encroached upon, then it’s a matter of serious concern.”

Details of McCullum’s statement and also former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent’s version to the ACSU were published in Daily Mail earlier this week. McCullum, however, said he still has faith in the ICC and “will continue to fulfill” his role in the investigation. The governing body of world cricket has decided to probe the leaks.

Disappointed by the leaks in media, says McCullum

Christchurch: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum says he has never been involved in matchfixing and is “very disappointed” his testimony to an International Cricket Council corruption probe had been leaked to the media.

“Let me be clear I have never ever fixed a cricket match,” McCullum said in a statement before he appeared at a media conference in Christchurch on Thursday. “I am 100 percent behind the fight against corruption in the sport.”

McCullum reported the approaches to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU). ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said on Wednesday he deeply regretted McCullum’s statements being leaked to the media. McCullum arrived back in New Zealand from India on Thursday to attend the birth of his third child. The trip was planned before his statements to the ACSU were published in the newspaper, he said.

“With regards to my testimony and the fact it has been aired in public I’m obviously very disappointed about that,” McCullum told reporters. “I can’t go into the specifics of what’s going into the investigation or my involvement in it … but I will continue to fulfil my role in the investigation.” McCullum said he “no regrets” in making his statements and still had faith in the people he dealt with at the ACSU.

“I guess from my point of view the dealings I’ve had with the group that I’ve dealt with, I have confidence,” he said. “How the leak happened, I’m not sure but I have confidence in them.” (Reuters)