Cricketers Warned Against 'Honey Traps' During ICC World Cup
New Zealand police has said that bookies and fixers may use female agents to lure cricketers during the ICC World Cup next year.
The risk of corruption and malpractices in cricket is the biggest threat that next year's World Cup faces. In order to battle the menace, New Zealand police has warned cricketers to stay clear of suspicious persons - unknown women in particular - during the gala cricketing event Down Under.
With chances of fixers and bookies using female 'honey-traps' to possibly lure players, the New Zealand Herald reported that the police force in the country is on high alert. "We know they (fixers and bookies) bring in women into the country to fraternise with players," Superintendent Sandra Manderson - police chief for the event - was quoted as saying. "Afterwards, they'll ask the players to do something and if they refuse they'll say, 'Well, see these photographs? They will be with your wife, your neighbours, your parents.' There are millions and millions of dollars at stake in match fixing."
Despite an increased effort to combat fixing, cricket has seen several instances of high-profile cricketers being caught in its web. Kiwi batsman Lou Vincent was one such high-profile name who admitted that he was guilty of underperforming on the field.
While the International Cricket Council and its Anti-Corruption and Secuity Unit (ACSU) have taken some steps, the threat increases manifold in the run-up to a major event like the World Cup.