Match-fixing issue was reported to ICC: Ed Hawkins

By Bipin Dani

MUMBAI, India (TheSportsNEXT) November 18, 2012: The Indian cricket board may have rubbished his claims on match-fixing (2011 World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan at Mohali was fixed), however, the UK-based journalist, Ed Hawkins insists he had brought the issue to the notice of the ICC.

Speaking exclusively with TheSportsNEXT.com over his mobile from London on Sunday, Ed Hawkins said, "I gave information to the ACSU (Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) in Feb following a second trip to India when I was still investigating. Also, the allegations have been reported from a bookmaker. The book (Bookie Gambler Fixer Spy, which is available from Bloomsbury in India) analyses these claims in great detail and the conclusion is to ask for an investigation".

Ed Hawkins is betting.betfair's chief cricket tipster. He has been a tipster for more than 14 years, the majority at the Racing Post. He has built a reputation as shrewd student of the game thanks to memorable tipping feats like tipping Pakistan for glory at the 2009 World Twenty20, Rajasthan for inaugural IPL glory and a 90 per cent profit on the World Cup in the Caribbean.

He has been a sports journalist for more than 14 years. Twice he was named the Sports Journalists Association betting Writer of the Year. He has also ghost written the autobiography of Michael Holding, the West Indies legend.

"Spot-fixing is possible", he stays, adding, "Spot fixing is prevalent the world over so long as matches are being televised in India. I think county cricket in the UK is waking up to the need to be seriously vigilant".

"Also spot fixing is such minute details that it is almost impossible to prove or even detect. It may be something as minor as a maiden over in an ODI, which is normal. But here are some points to help...

1 ACSU need help from players. Players need to police the game because they know what is going on in the dressing room

2 ACSU are dilligent and work hard but they need more officers

3 Make match fixing illegal in India", he further added.

During England Test matches he writes a live betting blog, despairing at Alastair Cook's technique and turning to copious amounts of cake to cope with the trauma of it all.

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I will never want my son to play cricket: Zulqarnain Haider

By Bipin Dani

MUMBAI, India (TheSportsNEXT) October 9, 2012: Pakistan's run-away wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has become father of a baby boy. His wife gave birth to a son last week.

Expressing sheer joy, Zulqarnain Haider said, "My two daughters, Zahra and Firza have their brother now. We have named him as Mustafa".

According to him, the PCB chairman arranged to send a flower bouquet at his residence. Though it could not be confirmed but if so, it may certainly be out of the practice.

"No, I don't want my son to be a cricketer", Haider added. "I want him to be a religious man and devote his life to preaching Islam across Pakistan", he added.

Two years ago, Haider left the team hotel in UAE and left to London without informing the manager.

He has been asked by the PCB to take counseling sessions.

When asked whether he would come to India to witness the matches later this year, he said, "I would like to cement my place in the team and come there as a player".

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