Lorgat Hits Out At 'Fictional' Corruption Claims

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has strongly condemned the publication of what he calls a 'fictional' report in an Indian newspaper alleging corruption during the Australia-Zimbabwe World Cup match.

Talking about an article published by Times of India, Lorgat issued the following statement:

"An article by Mr Dayal in yesterday’s newspaper made a number of claims about an ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 match between Australia and Zimbabwe that 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.

"It is also patently false of the reporter to claim that the ICC ever suggested to it that the match was corrupted. The ICC confirms that, in terms of its policy, at no stage did anyone from the ICC speak to the journalist on this topic.

"To uphold the integrity of the media I expect Mr Dayal and the Times of India to retract such baseless stories."

Following the match, which Australia won by 91 runs, Australian team officials strongly denied that the slow start to their innings had been investigated by the ACSU.

The World Cup has resumed with the quarter-finals underway and Australia take on India for a place in the semi-finals on Wednesday 24th March.

© Cricket World 2011