With British police and ICC investigations into allegations of involvement in betting by three Pakistani cricketers continuing, International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat has advocated legalising of betting in countries like India which currently ban it
With British police and ICC investigations into allegations of involvement in betting by three Pakistani cricketers continuing, International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat has advocated legalising of betting in countries like India which currently ban it.
"I am especially keen to engage with governments to consider the regulation of betting," Lorgat said in a statement from Cape Town last night.
Meanwhile Pakistan's former ICC president Ehsan Mani has also advocated legalising of betting.
"From what I understand whenever India play a one-day match $200million to $300million will be bet," Maniu00a0 is quoted as telling Wisden Cricketer magazine.
"The ACSU (Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) works very closely with the bookmakers in countries where gambling is legal.
"So when there is a sudden change in the direction of the odds, it is quickly on to it.
"But in the grey markets, particularly India, where it is totally unregulated, the ACSU's intelligence can only ever be superficial. So this is the time for the ICC to say to the Indian government that you have to bring this into the loop.
"I don't know why it hasn't happened, as the government would make a lot of money out of it.
"In Pakistan one might argue it is against their religious beliefs but, if it is happening anyway, the pragmatic approach has to be taken. This is hurting the credibility not only of the game but of India and Pakistan."
