Pak spinner Kaneria rubbishes Essex match-fixing allegations

Islamabad, Apr.11 (ANI): Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria has rubbished reports that he was under the scanner for match-fixing charges, and that he was being quizzed by the Essex Police on the issue.

"My cricketing career is completely unstained and I'm surprised at such allegations," The Dawn quoted Kaneria, who is yet to join the county side for the upcoming season.

The delay in Kaneria's arrival has added fuel to reports that Kaneria is one of the two cricketers under investigation by Essex Police for match-fixing.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had issued a brief statement from Essex Police stating that inquiries are currently being conducted into the actions of two Essex players in a match last season.

"Following allegations received about two Essex county cricket players involved in match irregularities, we have initiated an investigation and are working closely with Essex County Cricket Club and the English Cricket Board," the statement said.

The other player, a lower-profile member of the staff who is not featuring in the opening championship match against Hampshire, will almost certainly be released if found guilty.

The suggestion is that players did not actively throw matches but manipulated passages of play by bowling poorly or sending down no balls or wides, reports said.

If Kaneria's involvement in match- fixing is proved, it would add to the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) humiliation, which has already slapped hefty fines and imposed ban on seven top cricketers on various accounts of indiscipline and violation of the players' code of conduct. (ANI)