New Zealand confirm McCullum not corrupt

Cricket board’s statement backs their confidence in the captain

WELLINGTON: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said Monday that Blacks Caps captain Brendon McCullum was not under investigation for corruption after reports surfaced that he was approached to fix matches in 2008.

NZC said it was ‘dismayed’ that McCullum's testimony to the International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption unit had been leaked to the British media, saying the big-hitting Kiwi skipper was committed to cleaning up the game.

"We can confirm that Brendon is NOT under investigation by the ICC and his testimony has actually been applauded by them," it said in a statement.

"NZC has 100% confidence in our captain and his role in tackling corruption."

Britain's Daily Mail reported online Monday that McCullum told investigators he was approached by a ‘world renowned former cricketer’ twice in 2008, first in Kolkata ahead of the inaugural Indian Premier League, then during New Zealand's tour of England later that year.

McCullum reportedly said the former star, player X, whom he described as "a hero who became a friend", offered him up to $180,000 to underperform in matches.

The New Zealander, who gained the national captaincy in late 2012 and this year became the first Kiwi to hit a Test triple century, said he was ‘shell shocked’ at the approach and told investigators he had never fixed a match.

"[X] said that the 'Big Boys' in international cricket were doing it and he didn't want me to miss out," reported the Daily Mail.

"I am sure that he mentioned names to me but I cannot remember, although I seem to think that X mainly mentioned Asian cricketers."

Player X is believed to be the same person who former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent admitted to the corruption probe that he fixed matches for, it said.

Vincent is believed to have agreed a plea bargain in the hope of avoiding a criminal prosecution for his involvement in and knowledge of spot-fixing in five or more countries between 2008-2012.