The ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) is set to launch its own investigation of Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010 after the trial into spot-fixing exposed more allegedly tainted matches. More players are set to come under scrutiny.
Recovered text messages exposed during the trial at Southwark Crown Court revealed four more Tests appear to have been affected by spot-fixing on the tour – not just the one at Lord’s.
The ACSU has not been able to conduct much of an inquiry since the case meant that most or all of the evidence was held by Court.
The text traffic recovered by Canadian police specialists from Mazhar Majeed’s phone connected players such as Kamran Akmal and Amir to spot-fixing and links with bookmakers. On the eve of the Lord’s Test between Pakistan and Australia, Majeed received a text from a UK number thought to belong to a bookmaker which read: “Bro, just spoke to Sanjay. Bowling first, they should bowl in tandem first for at least first eight overs. Give away a minimum of 47 runs, in first 10 overs please.” On July 17, when Butt was given the captaincy after the resignation of Afridi, a text from from Indian bookmaker read: “Congratulations on captaincy of Salman Butt”. There is no evidence surrounding the second Test against Australia at Headingley. On July 28, the same Indian number, code-named ‘Raj’, texted Majeed: “Got any idea of the wicket, looks like enough grass left?” On July 29,Majeed messaged ‘Raj’: “It is hard to do this but they will try. Two edges gave away eight in first over so not always in their hands. They will make sure they try though.” He followed that up with: “If they do it they will want to be paid.”
On July 30 Majeed texted a UK number: “Boss, you can see they have done it.” And later he said: “Kamran’s one will still be on if another wicket.”
Later, ‘Raj’ messaged Majeed: “I’m very shocked and speechless about what the boys have done today. At this rate they will ruin our lives. Despite my request – one run in last ball of 100th over – nothing happened.” Majeed replied: “I cannot explain boss. I’ll find out tonight.”
Later , UK bookie messaged Majeed: “Is your Pakistan man ready for a small one?
There was also eight- and a seven-minute call between ‘Raj’ and Majeed, ‘Raj’ messaged back: “Kami (Kamran Akmal) and Aamer (Amir) minimum 13 off first 3 overs after Kami gives an indication by change of gloves with no wkt. It starts from round of overs, say 35 or 40, whichever is first after they come in together. Next 7 overs, maximum 15 runs.”
