McMillan tells Indian bookmakers to "put up or shut up" on match-fixing claims

Wellington,Mar 13(ANI): Former Kiwi player Craig McMillan has told Indian bookmakers to "put up or shut up" on the match-fixing allegations aginst New Zeland players.

"We've heard all this before and the rumour-mill runs amok again.It is very easy to hide behind broad accusations but you need to have concrete evidence to deal with, not just idle speculation," stuff.co.nz quoted McMillan, as saying.

"I would be really disappointed if it was proved that any New Zealander was involved. We were reminded time and again about our obligations and I can't believe anyone would be that stupid to risk their career and integrity," he added.

His statement came after a sting operation carried out by Britain's Sunday Times revealed claims by Indian bookmakers that English county games and international matches, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), are being fixed.

The bookies said players from all the main cricketing nations, including New Zealand, are involved in the match-fixing.

McMillan claimed nobody had approahed him with a dodgy deal during his international career from 1996-2007.

His former team-mate, Scott Styris, also claimed he had never been approached by bookies.

Styris said it came as "a bit of a surprise" that match-fixing allegations had been made against New Zealand cricketers.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White had earlier rejected match fixing allegaions against Kiwi players.

"We have complete confidence that the claims made are baseless and have no credibility. The sources are not credible and the accusations are unsubstantiated, making them irresponsible, damaging and untrue." (ANI)