Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns has again maintained he has not been involved in spot-fixing, saying he is not the player named in evidence to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Cairns has released a written statement, denying he is player X, identified to the ICC’s anti-corruption unit in testimony from former Black Caps teammates Lou Vincent and Brendon McCullum.
In that leaked testimony, published by British newspapers, Vincent says player X lured him into getting involved in fixing across several countries.
McCullum said he rebuffed two approaches by the same player, who he described as a “hero”, to fix games.
Former allrounder Cairns, whose name was first publicly linked with the worldwide investigation in December, issued a short email on Tuesday reiterating he was not the player concerned.
He is frustrated to have had just one uncompleted interview with the UK’s Metropolitan Police in New Zealand in which to state his case.
“I just ask people to remember that, as yet, the ICC have still not so much as interviewed me and that what is circulating in the public domain is barely one side of the story.
“I think it is very dangerous to try to do this through the media and court of public opinion, where it is impossible to present all the information and facts. I will work through the proper channels to, once again, prove my innocence.”
Cairns says he has asked ICC investigators to produce copies of Vincent’s and McCullum’s statements so he can respond.
“They decline to do so but seem happy to leak information to the media which they deny to me.”
Cairns says he had no connection to many of the games which Vincent has testified as involving fixing.
“He (Vincent) is in a desperate position. He faces potential prosecution and, in trying to negotiate a plea bargain, he appears to be willing to falsely accuse me of wrongdoing.”
Cairns says he has already been to court once to defend himself against match-fixing allegations and is prepared to do so again.
Two years ago, he won a British High Court libel case against Indian Premier League founder Lalit Modi over a Twitter message in 2010 and a subsequent website report that he had fixed matches in the now-defunct Indian Cricket League.
Despite that outcome, he says his reputation is still being sullied.
“I acknowledge that, recently, I have upset some powerful people in the world of cricket, including raising my own concerns about the health of the game. I believe I am paying the price for that now,” he said.
“I believe there are dark forces at play. These forces have long arms, deep pockets and great influence.”
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White on Monday said he knew the identity of player X but couldn’t confirm it at the risk of jeopardising the ICC investigation.
White was disappointed McCullum’s testimony was leaked and confirmed the New Zealand captain was not under investigation.
Cantab
Guest
Yeah totally agree, if BMac is saying Cairns is player X then it's game over, the only hope is that it's not confirmed yet.
Bobbo7
Guest
Possibly. But I think McCullum is an honest guy. He makes millions and I can't see him making this up. What does he have to gain from it? Plus NZ have improved under his leadership.
Bobbo7
Guest
Agree. TheICC are hopeless. The fact McCullum's evidence was leaked just shows how hopeless the ICC is. I wonder whether someone with evidence would even trust the ICC.
Realist 1975
Guest
Its funny/sad because McCullum & Cairns are similar types of players whereby they can easily throw away their wickets, alveit Cairns as a bowler has another avenue. I actually thought that McCullum had the traits to be more like Vincent given his past performances (less so recently). I do believe Cairns when he says though "“I believe there are dark forces at play. These forces have long arms, deep pockets and great influence.”, as just in life the people whom hold the moneybags normally are behind it all and in pursuit of more money. Good old Greed.
David Baker
Guest
I also dont think McCullum is lying Days is a small gap. Could even live with a week or 2. I did read between the lines that the gap was maybe too long And months is too long The loyalties are tough. But approaches have to be reported fast. Having said that the ICC want people to step forward and we must be practical. Of course what is possible is that there was a small gap and the ICC have taken ages to get around to investigating it properly. So the perceived 'cover up' maybe protecting the ICC and not McCullum.
Bobbo7
Guest
Same. Unlikely but could be a big conspiracy. Doubt it though and if it is Cairns that McCullum was talking about, I can't see any reason he would make that up.
Bobbo7
Guest
He could have told his manager. Small gap could be a matter of days, weeks, months. Probably hit a big deal. I trust McCullum. He has nothing to gain from making this up
Cantab
Guest
I hope your telling the truth Cairns, I really do, but I fear you're not.
David Baker
Guest
One question about Brendan McCullum. I may have missed it. It was been alluded that there was a 'small gap' between Player X approaching McCullum and McCullum reporting the approach to the appropriate body. Given this happened some time ago it begs 2 questions a) How long was that "Small gap"? b) What took the ICC so long? BTW - I believe McCullum that he didnt fix but the gap troubles me... Despite this being a relatively big thing in the press the Cricket Admins are doing the usual thing.... and trying to keep it quiet.. Get the info out.
David Baker
Guest
Our Hansie also said he was innocent... Some crackpots think he was despite him admitting he took money and corrupted others
DJW
Guest
Still one of best movies ever!
Wasim Ranamadroota
Roar Pro
Damn shame IF it is true. Had grudging respect for Cairns. (For a kiwi!) Ai don't want one more myth of childhood blown away, Chris Cairns, Rolf Harris, Hey Dad, next we'll find out the Harlem Globetrotters or Professional Wrestling were actually rigged.
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
I m innocent:cairns I am innocent:sreesanth I am innocent:m.amir I am innocent:m.asif I am innocent:salman butt Yes cairns i believe u.i think youre innocent just like butt,asif,amir,sreesanth and others.......
JGK
Roar Guru
As in "pants on fire"?
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Lou and Brenners might have their heroes mixed up. Have they tried Racer X? or The X Men? It's alway the last person you would suspect. Roguish Cairns is a bit obvious.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
it was not me......it was the one armed man!!
Bobbo7
Guest
Hard to say but I do think McCullum is a pretty stright up guy and he earns big money, which does not mean he is immune from corruption but I get the feeling he is an honest toiler. Very dissapointed NZ are involved in this. And I doubt it is limited to cricket either. Time that match fixing became a criminal offence with jail time. Fans spend good money on tickets, shirts etc on the basis the game is genuine. Authorities have been too soft for too long on this.
matthew_gently
Guest
"...where there’s smoke there’s fire". My thoughts exactly. These stories just keep re-surfacing.
Mark
Guest
I was a big Cairns fan whilst he was playing, but Brendan McCullum has no reason to make up these allegations. If Cairns is player X, I suspect he's guilty. Plus, it's sad, but I can't help but thinking where there's smoke there's fire. Cairns has also had money issues in the past so obviously quick money would appeal to that type. Disappointing. I hope it's not him.