Special Investigator to assess substance of match fixing claims

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) today confirmed that the first task of its soon to be appointed Special Investigator will be to see if there is any substance to the recent allegations of corruption against the Australian team during its 1994/95 tour of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The role of Special Investigator was announced a fortnight ago by the ACB as one of a package of initiatives taken to protect the game in Australia. Since the announcement, the ACB has identified its preferred candidate for the position and is currently finalising the terms of reference for the role. The ACB will announce the successful applicant this week.

To assist the Special Investigator in assessing the strength of the allegations the ACB will also take the following steps:

· Write to the ICC asking it to obtain the "News of the World" tapes and provide the ACB with any aspect of the tapes that implicates any Australian player or official.

· Provide full access to the records of the O'Regan Inquiry, conducted in January 1999 by Mr Rob O'Regan QC, The Inquiry examined the issue of Australian player's involvement in match fixing including the tour mentioned in the latest allegations. This will include access to all statements, transcripts and records of interview and any evidence uncovered by Mr O'Regan.

· Provide access to a copy of the confidential chapter which formed part of the O'Regan Report

· Advise all Australian players and officials who took part on the 1994/95 tour that they may be required to make themselves available to the Special Investigator should he wish to talk about the events of this tour.

Once the substance of the allegations has been tested, the Special Investigator will be able to determine if a full investigation is warranted.

ACB Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said: "Assuming the newspaper reports are accurate the allegations raised are very serious.

"However, before jumping to conclusions we must determine if the comments are simply the idle boasts of a man devoid of credibility who is seeking to impress others or if there is any evidence to support his comments.

"If the Special Investigator finds that there is any substance to support these claims the ACB will not hesitate to take what ever action is necessary.

"There is no place for corruption in cricket and everyone should be absolutely clear that we will take whatever measures are needed and within our powers to rid the game of cricket of any suggestion of impropriety," added Mr Speed.