BCCI to Wait on Pitch-Fixing Probe by ICC

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) answered quite cautiously to the sting operation which alleged pitch intervention in some of the matches featuring India.

They will consider implicating former cricketer Robin Morris only if he is found guilty in the probe conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Also Read: Watch: Former Pakistan International Hasan Raza Caught on Camera in Spot-Fixing Sting

The sting operation has been carried out by Al Jazeera channel. The Test matches in question are India vs Sri Lanka (Galle, July 26-29, 2017), India vs Australia (Ranchi, March 16-20, 2017) and India vs England (Chennai, December 16-20, 2016).

“We believe ICC has started its probe. Let them complete that and pronounce Morris guilty. The BCCI will only act when they have the verdict in hand,” a senior office-bearer of the Board said.

Morris has been a part of 42 first-class matches and 51 List A matches. He is not involved in any of the BCCI projects.

“We need to check with our Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) whether Morris’ name was there on the suspect list. Secondly, he is not associated with any BCCI or state unit project currently from where we need to pull him out.

Also Read: India-England Chennai, India-Australia Ranchi Tests Were Fixed: Reports

“So the only thing left is BCCI domestic cricketers’ pension of Rs 22,500 (after deductions). If he is getting that pension, BCCI is well within its rights to cancel that but only after he has been proven guilty,” the official said.

Morris, however, has denied any wrongdoing and said it was a conspiracy against him. In the documentary titled Morris who is alleged to be a match-fixer is seen introducing the Galle curator Tharanga Indika to the undercover reporter.

He was also seen boasting about pitches as sought by the fixers. Meanwhile, the ICC has launched an investigation into the matter.

Morris along with Hasan Raza who is the record holder for being the youngest to play Test cricket is seen allegedly bragging about their connections and abilities to fix pitches through groundsmen. Mumbai Cricket is shocked to know that Morris is involved in the fixing problem.

He studied at the famous Shradhyashram Vidyamandir and was a disciple of Ramakant Achrekar. He used to be a handy limited overs cricket who quit cricket at the age of 31.

“Had his best days coincided with IPL, he would have been a good domestic pick. But he went to the rebel (and now defunct) Indian Cricket League just after taking eight wickets for Mumbai in Irani Trophy,” a Mumbai cricket insider said.

Morris left a secured job with Bharat Petroleum 

People couldn’t quite understand the fact that why Morris quit a secure job with the Bharat Petroleum.

“I can bet he didn’t earn a fortune playing domestic cricket and ICL. So in past few years, his lifestyle didn’t actually add up. He would drive a Mercedes Benz, wear those expensive watches,” said another close friend of the former player.

“Some of his old friends started keeping a distance from him. His frequent trips to Dubai did raise suspicion,” added a former cricketer.

Also Read: IPL Hinders Growth Opportunities for England Players in First-Class Cricket – Andy Flower