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ECB not to take action on 'fixed' tie
Feb 01 2001, 9:45 Hrs (IST)

London: No action is to be taken by the England Cricket Board over allegations that two matches between Lancashire and Essex at Old Trafford, Manchester, in 1991 were fixed.

The claims, first publicised in 1994, were made by Don Topley, who was playing for Essex at that time. But on Wednesday a report from lawyer Gerard Elias, chairman of the ECB's Discipline Standing Committee, said he was driven to the conclusion that ''we can take matters no further.''

Elias said, ''The ECB has now been advised that after due consideration and a full review of the evidence, the Greater Manchester Police have concluded that no further action is to be taken.

''I understand that a significant reason for this decision is that the allegations Mr Topley made and the evidence he provided are insufficiently corroborated for any criminal proceedings to be instituted.

''Additionally, I believe that the Greater Manchester Police have taken into account the number of potential witnesses who rebut the allegations.''

Topley, a former Zimbabwe coach, and a teammate alleged that Essex contrived to lose a Sunday League match against Lancashire in return for a generous declaration in the county championship game being played at the same time.

Elias also concludes there is insufficient evidence against anyone under the Board's jurisdiction to bring a case before the discipline panel.

To protect ''whistleblowers'' he is urging a confidential hotline be set up so any player concerned about possible wrongdoing can speak to the Board on a strictly private basis.

The report also says police have suggested they should be called in at an early stage were similar serious allegations made.

(c) Reuters Limited. Click here for Restrictions