Cricket: Corrupt wait for certain matches

Some matches, particularly insignificant one-day internationals, are particularly vulnerable to match-fixing, the report said. These include:

* "Matches where little is at stake, other than pride. Typically the last match in a series which has already been won convincingly by a team and substantial odds are being offered against them being beaten by the weaker side."

* "One-day internationals in tournaments where one of the sides playing has either already qualified for the next stage of the tournament or already been eliminated.

"Hansie Cronje called these games 'soft matches' and others have called them by the bridge term 'dead rubber' matches.

"Betting against form provides attractive odds and if the match is fixed, guarantees a handsome return for the corrupters."

Various aspects of the game which, according to allegations, have been subject to fixing attempts:

* The outcome of the toss.

* The end from which the fielding captain will elect to bowl.

* A set number of wides, or no balls, occurring in a designated over.

* Batsmen being out at a specific point in their innings - complicity of batsman concerned.

* The total runs at which a batting captain will declare.

* The timing of a declaration.

* The total runs scored in a particular innings, and particularly the total in the first innings of a one-day international.

Reasons why cricketers are prone to falling in the trap of match-fixers:

* International cricketers are paid less than many other top sportsmen, including golfers, soccer and tennis players, and are therefore more vulnerable to corrupt approaches.

* During the last World Cup, in England in 1999, and other major events the cricketers received a low single-figure percentage of the proceeds from the event.

* Cricketers have little say or stake in the running of the sport and limited recognition of their representative bodies, where they exist.

* Cricketers have relatively short and uncertain playing careers, often without contracts, and some seek to supplement their official earnings with money from corrupt practices.

* Some administrators either turn a blind eye or are themselves involved in malpractice.

* Cricketers play a high number of one-day internationals and nothing is really at stake in terms of national pride or selection in some of these matches.

* Cricketers can take money from potential corrupters in return for innocuous information and yet refuse to fix matches.

* Whistle-blowing and informing on malpractice was ignored or penalised rather than encouraged.

* There was no structure in place to receive allegations about corruption.

* Cricketers were coerced into malpractice because of threats to them and their families.

* It was just too easy.

- AGENCIES

Sir Paul Condon's report