Joe Root and Tim Paine deny match fixing allegations
England captain Joe Root and Australia captain Tim Paine have strongly denied claims that both sides were involved in match-fixing which was documented by Al Jazeera, according to a report on Cricket365.
The programme ‘Cricket’s match-fixers’ was shown live on Al Jazeera on the weekend and claimed that England’s Test in India in 2016 was fixed in some way, whilst also stating that Australia’s Test against India in 2017 was also fixed.
Both players were disgusted with the allegations and hit back at the claims, stating that they had nothing to worry about.
Root said:
All the players have been briefed by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and been told there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.
I’ve just been told to strongly deny the accusations because it sounds quite ridiculous really.
As a group of players we’ve got to focus on (the second Test) next week, making sure we prepare well and let the people in charge look after this – because I’m sure it’s nothing.
On the other hand, Paine said:
As far as I’m concerned our players have got nothing to worry about. I’m really confident none of our players are involved.
Both players were not the captains of their sides during them matches but they believe that nothing unusual went on.
The ICC’s anti-corruption group are now looking into the allegations and need all the evidence from Al Jazeera before proceeding.