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| ECB confident over series despite new ICC investigation into Pakistan • ECB says final two matches will go ahead despite new claims• Bookmakers alleged to know details of Pakistan's inningsThe England and Wales Cricket Board does not believe the International Cricket Council's investigation into yesterday's third one-day international against Pakistan places the remainder of the series in jeopardy.The ICC today confirmed it has launched an investigation into the match at The Oval amid claims in the Sun that overseas bookmakers knew details of the Pakistan innings before the match had begun.The ICC's chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, said the match, which Pakistan won by 23 runs, featured "a certain scoring pattern" that warranted investigation. News of this investigation is a further blow for the sport following allegations of spot-fixing by Pakistan players during the Test series.However the ECB said there is no prospect of the allegations threatening the one-day series, which England lead 2-1 after yesterday's defeat and that no England players or members of the management team are involved in the allegations.An ECB spokesman said: "[The matter] is in the hands of the ICC as it stands. We see the final two matches going ahead at this stage. The ECB has received confirmation that no England players nor member of management are involved in any allegation linked with ACSU [Anti-Corruption and Security Unit] activities."The chairman of the ECB has written to the president of the ICC seeking assurances that the ICC does not have evidence which could result in either charges or suspension of players prior to the conclusion of the Series."No substantive evidence has been shared with the ECB or the PCB [Pakistan Cricket Board] at this stage. The ECB noted the ICC is not stating as fact that anything untoward has occurred nor has yet been proven in relation to the third ODI between England and Pakistan."The ECB reiterated its policy of zero tolerance and strongly supported a full investigation into such allegations. Until the ICC substantiates that any allegations are correct no further action can be taken."The Sun said it alerted ICC inspectors to the possibility of manipulation before yesterday's match, and that representatives of the governing body watched "as Pakistan's score mirrored the target that bookies had been told in advance by a fixer". The newspaper claimed that the ICC's investigation would focus "on two suspect overs".The ICC announced the inquiry this morning. "Following information received by the ICC from a British newspaper and its source, the ICC now believes a full investigation is warranted," it said.Lorgat added: "A source informed the Sun that a certain scoring pattern would emerge during certain stages of the match and, broadly speaking, that information appeared to be correct. We therefore feel it is incumbent upon us to launch a full inquiry into this particular game although it is worth pointing out at this stage that we are not stating as fact that anything untoward has occurred. Only in the fullness of the investigation can that be established."We thank the Sun for its information and co-operation in this regard, and we will work with its staff and sources to ensure the full truth surrounding this match is ascertained. The ICC maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in cricket and, as a matter of course, follows up on all credible information that is received, whatever the source. Any player or official found guilty of an offence will face the full rigour of our robust anti-corruption code so that we can ensure the integrity of the sport is maintained."The Pakistan team has been under the spotlight this summer amid allegations of spot-fixing against members of the touring party. Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif have been questioned by police over an alleged plan to bowl no-balls during last month's Test series. A fourth player – Wahab Riaz – was interviewed by the authorities on Tuesday. All deny any wrongdoing.Pakistan cricket betting scandalEngland v Pakistan 2010Pakistan cricket teamEngland cricket teamCricketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
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