Marvy Westfield arrested by police for questioning along with Danish Kanaria
Essex fast bowler Marvy Westfield and Pakistan’s test Leg spinner Danish Kaneria were arrested by Essex Police for questioning, on suspicions of conspiracy to commit fraud. The arrests were followed by Police’s investigation into match fixing during a Pro-40 match of Essex against Durham in September 2009. The suspicions were not per say regarding fixing the whole match, but for Spot-Fixing.
Both men from Essex were brought in Brentwood Police station on Friday, under caution and questioned before being released until September 15th on bail till further inquires are completed.
Neither Kaneria nor Westfield were charged with any offence, and are free to play for county or country, the bail order is till 15th of September which in effect means Danish will be available for Pakistan during the 6 test matches they will play in England this Summer, 2 of which are against Australia and 4 against England.
Pakistan for sure need Kaneria in the test side, but England and Wales Cricket board are full signatories of International Cricket Council’s anti – corruption code and are believed to be uncomfortable of Kaneria’s presence in the side. And if feeling the pressure Pakistan choose not to select the wrist spinner it will surely be a big blow to their chances in the upcoming test series.
Essex police wanted to interview Pakistani cricketer since last Monday, soon after he returned from Pakistan. Because Kanaria was involved in Essex’s match soon after his return, the Club requested the authorities to delay the questioning till the match is over. The whole Essex team and the management have been in contact with the police for months for any possible aid in the investigation.
Although Danish Kaneria’s own performance in the pro 40-Match in question is not under investigation, but he is believed to have been behind introducing Westfield to an illegal Bookmaker.
The authorities prior to Friday have interviewed Westfield 22, and also took away his cell phone. The player in question conceded 60 runs in the match in just 7 overs against Durham in the pro 40-Match, which also included 4 wide and 2 no balls.
While Bad bowling cannot be taken as a proof of spot fixing, which means a small event in a match can be fixed. So spot fixing could be dropping a catch, deliberate dismissal and things like that, which are believed to be the manner in which players are asked to do spot fixing, by the bookmakers in India, where this a multimillion industry.
This is the simplest way of spot fixing and can attract many players, who want to make easy money and are vulnerable. Spot fixing is very hard to detect and the profit margins for players are even greater.
Essex Police confirmed that the investigation began in March, upon the instigation of some fellow players in the Essex dressing room. With Kaneria and Westfield’s contracts running out at Essex, it will be interesting to see if they are asked to pack their bags or hired again even without being proven guilty.
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