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, during which time he was again in contact with Kochar.
The police clarified that they had "no evidence about financial commitment made", or of match fixing, but that "prima facie it is a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct for players".
"We have received the report today and have forwarded it to the ICC for necessary action," BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla told PTI. Shukla 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.