Pakistan-Ireland match tapes reviewed for clues

KINGSTON (Jamaica): The odds on Ireland beating Pakistan in the World Cup group match was being probed, Jamaica police who are investigating the murder of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer have said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields has raised suspicions over generous odds of 8-1 being touted for an Irish wins in the hours before the Pakistan match on March 17.

"One aspect is what were the odds on Ireland if Ireland won. I understand they were extremely good if you bet on Ireland. The match-fixing thing is being looked at," Shields said on Sunday.

The former Scotland Yard official confirmed the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption and security unit chief investigator Jeff Rees would look into the
video-tapes of Pakistan-Ireland match.

"We cannot pre-empt what Rees will do, but it may be necessary to review some of the matches. I understand the odds were extremely good if you bet on Ireland."

Shields was responding to former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahrayar Khan's claim that 'spot-fixing' was still prevalent in the game.

"I think spot-fixing is very much prevalent and really something you cannot prevent. This is opposed to match-fixing which requires the entire team," remarked Shahrayar Khan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan officials had hoped Woolmer's body could have been released on Monday and flown home to Cape Town but Shields said local coroner Patrick Murphy had rejected that application.