Ashes 2017: CA Chief James Sutherland denies match fixing rumours

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland denies match-fixing allegations in the Ashes 2017-18.

Ashes 2017-18 | Getty Images

The ongoing Ashes series between Australia and England surrounded by reportedly spot-fixing controversy, and Sobers Joban – Delhi’s former age-group cricketer, is a central character of the controversy, as the British tabloid ‘The Sun’ claimed that he was seen alongside a bookie claiming to fix Ashes Tests for GBP 140,000. But, Sobers’ father Baljeet Joban claimed his son has never been to the U.K. or Australia “only goes to Dubai and Russia.”

Although, ICC’s anti-corruption unit has made all things clear that there hasn’t been any evidence of corruption in the ongoing Ashes Test in Perth.

As per PTI, Baljeet Joban said, “My son has never been to U.K. or Australia and they (The Sun) are claiming that he could have fixed an Ashes Test. He only goes to Dubai and Russia. Russia, because he has a Russian girlfriend whom he will marry.”

Baljeet also doesn’t know Sobers’ acquaintance with Saxena, claiming the present spot-fixing controversy is part of a “conspiracy.” He added, “I can’t keep track of everything that my adult son does. I don’t know about his friend circle. All I know this is a part of a larger conspiracy.”

Meanwhile, an official of the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association claimed neither Baljeet Joban, a former administrative manager of various Delhi age group teams, nor Sobers “would know any England or Australia player.” As per PTI, a DDCA official stated, “I am fully convinced that neither Sobers nor Baljeet knows any top Ranji cricketer, leave alone India player. They may get an odd selfie for FB post. I don’t think this fellow would know any England or Australia player.”

He concluded, “But if he is that small fry or a pawn in a bigger conspiracy or was acting as a conduit for bookmakers or fixing syndicate needs to be probed by [International Cricket Council’s] anti-corruption unit.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 16 Dec, 2017

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