Mukesh Gupta refuses support to inquiry
The ICC Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) today confirmed that Indian bookmaker
Mukesh Gupta is unlikely to give further support to the international
inquiries set up following his allegations about a number of non Indian
cricketers.
Gupta has been seen twice in India by the ACU and he verbally confirmed his
allegations to investigators from the unit. However, Lord Condon has always
believed that natural justice demands that Gupta's allegations should be
capable of challenge and cross examination by lawyers acting for the accused
cricketers. Gupta was given the option of his allegations being tested in
India, or a country of his choice.
To bring clarity to the situation Gupta was given to 1st July to make up his
mind. He has not responded and it is assumed that he will not allow his
allegations to be tested. The situation was discussed with Gupta's
solicitors by telephone this morning and also with Mr Sawani, the Joint
Director of the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation, who met Lord Condon
in London on Friday (29th June).
The ACU, having interviewed Alec Stewart, will submit a report to the
England and Wales Cricket Board within the next two weeks. The inquiries in
Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies are being advised of the
latest information about Gupta.
Lord Condon said: "The CBI report and Gupta's allegations are only one
strand of the work of the ACU. We have advised the Inquiry teams around the
world of the position Gupta has taken. They will no doubt take this into
account when they submit reports to their cricket boards in due course."