MARLON SAMUELS IN THE NEWS

The first one-dayer between India and the West Indies in Nagpur on January 21 is being investigated after Nagpur police claimed that they were in possession of taped phone conversations between Marlon Samuels, the West Indies allrounder, and Mukesh Kochchar, an alleged bookie.

Both the Indian board and the ICC confirmed receiving the police report and the ICC has started investigations into the matter. On his part Samuels has rubbished any involvement, saying, "I have not done anything wrong".

At a press conference on Thursday evening, Nagpur's police commissioner SPS Yadav revealed that Kochar and Samuels had spoken four times over the phone. He added that Samuels had specifically told Kochar over the phone at 11.30 pm on January 20 that he would bowl first change the next day - which is what actually happened.

What also apparently strengthened the police's suspicion was that Samuels chose to stay on in Mumbai - ostensibly to take part in a cricket reality show - when his team left for the West Indies after the series ended. "After the West Indies team's departure, he stayed back for a few days in Mumbai. Maybe they (Samuels and Kochar) were in contact during that time," Yadav said.

The police clarified that they had "no evidence about financial commitment made", or of match fixing, but that there were "enough indications of betting" and that prima facie it is a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct for players. They also confirmed that no other West Indian player was involved.

In New Delhi, Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, said the matter was now the responsibility of the ICC. "We have received a communication from the police commissioner of Nagpur and we have sent this immediately to the ICC headquarters in Dubai," Pawar told PTI. "It is now for the ICC to take appropriate action."

Rajiv Shukla, the BCCI vice-president, said the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit representative in India was already in touch with the Nagpur Police to get all the necessary information regarding Samuels's links with Kochar. "I have also spoken to the ACU representative here on this issue. The BCCI will cooperate in the investigations. Since it is involving a foreign player, it is a very sensitive issue and needs to be handled carefully."

"At the moment no Indian player is involved and we can take action only if an Indian player is involved," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said.

India had beaten the West Indies by 14 runs in the Nagpur ODI, the first game of the four-match series which India went on to win 3-1. Samuels conceded 53 runs in his allotted 10 overs of the game and followed it up with a 60-ball 40 during the run-chase.

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