ECB Removes Two Suspected Gamblers from Women’s Ashes
England won the first ODI against Australia by two wickets
During the first ODI of the women’s Ashes series in Bristol, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s anti-corruption unit uncovered two suspected gamblers engaging in suspicious activities.
An anti-corruption officer identified two men during routine checks at the venue. According to reports in the English media, the first man was observed using multiple mobile phones before the match began. Upon being apprehended, he confessed to engaging in ‘pitch-siding’, a prohibited practice aimed at gaining an advantage in illegal gambling.
The second individual denied any wrongdoing but was found to be suspiciously involved in similar activities. Both individuals were subsequently detained by Somerset Police for further investigation.
Additionally, reports indicated that an unnamed English player had alerted the ECB’s anti-corruption unit about receiving a message on social media, requesting her to share a photo of the pitch before the match.
The English media highlighted concerns about illegal gambling activities surrounding both the men’s and women’s Ashes series. It was reported that individuals are paid sums ranging from £100 to £200 per day to attend matches and relay information to illegal bookmakers.
“Anti-corruption officials estimate that approximately 100,000 illegal bookmakers operate in India, where cricket remains a focal point for sports betting,” stated the English media.
In response to the incident, the ECB issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to strict anti-corruption measures. “Two individuals were removed from the venue for breaching ground regulations. Both the ICC and the ECB take a firm stance against corruption in cricket,” the statement assured.
Meanwhile, in the sporting action, England’s women’s team achieved victory in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia’s women. They successfully chased down a target of 264 runs, securing the win with two wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.
As the series progresses, the focus remains on maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that stringent measures are in place to prevent any further breaches of anti-corruption protocols in cricket.
