Ahmedabad: The International Cricket Council has hit out strongly against a leading Indian newspaper, the Times of India, for its report that India's most wanted underworld figure, Don Dawood Ebrahim, had fixed the Australia versus Zimbabwe match on February 21.
According to the report, three Dawood men fixed the deal at the Australians' hotel.
In the game, Australian openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin scored only 28 runs in 11 overs and then 53 in 15, but went on to win.
The report alleged Mumbai police told the ICC about the situation.
ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said: "The claims in the article can only be described as fictional.
"We do not comment on the activities of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), and for good reason. However, after several misleading and downright false stories appearing in recent weeks, it is time for us to show our displeasure and expose those responsible for affecting the integrity of the media. I expect the newspaper to retract such baseless stories."
According to the report, three Dawood men fixed the deal at the Australians' hotel.
In the game, Australian openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin scored only 28 runs in 11 overs and then 53 in 15, but went on to win.
The report alleged Mumbai police told the ICC about the situation.
ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said: "The claims in the article can only be described as fictional.
"We do not comment on the activities of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), and for good reason. However, after several misleading and downright false stories appearing in recent weeks, it is time for us to show our displeasure and expose those responsible for affecting the integrity of the media. I expect the newspaper to retract such baseless stories."
