Kaneria embroiled in Essex 'match fixing' scam

London, Apr 10 (ANI): The UK Police is investigating Pakistani leg spinner Danish Kaneria, who plays for English county team Essex, for his involvement in a cricket betting scandal.

Kaneria and another Essex player are to be probed following incidents in one-day matches last summer.

The England and Wales Cricket Board suddenly issued a brief statement from Essex Police on Friday evening stating that inquiries are currently being conducted into the actions of two Essex players in a match last season.

"Following allegations received about two Essex county cricket players involved in match irregularities, we have initiated an investigation and are working closely with Essex County Cricket Club and the English Cricket Board," the statement said

Kaneria is missing the start of the county season with Essex, the official reason being he is playing in a domestic tournament at home. His future at Essex is now in doubt, The Sun reports.

The other player, a lower-profile member of the staff who is not featuring in the opening championship match against Hampshire, will almost certainly be released if found guilty.

The suggestion is the players did not actively throw matches but manipulated passages of play by bowling poorly or sending down no balls or wides, the paper said.

Essex has known about the allegations for a month, but was shocked when they became public, it added.

The ECB said: "As this is an ongoing Police investigation there will be no further comment while the investigation is underway." (ANI)