Waugh cleared of match-fixing

A very good week for Mark Waugh

Australian Test batsman Mark Waugh has been cleared of match-fixing allegations made by an Indian bookmaker.

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) special investigator Greg Melick said that Indian bookmaker Mukesh Gupta's claims had not been supported by evidence.

Gupta alleged to Indian police that he paid Waugh US$20,000 (£14,100) seven years ago for information about pitches, team, strategy and other matters whenever Australia played.

"The investigation has been unable to unearth any credible evidence to support Mr Gupta or any evidence to contradict Mark Waugh," said Melick.

You have to bear in mind that Mr Gupta would face some fairly serious charges in India if he gave evidence in such a way that could later be used against him

Greg Melick

"There was no single thing that tipped it in Mark's favour. "

Waugh was happy to put on lid on the saga that had dogged his career since Gupta's allegations first came to light.

"I'm very pleased obviously and it's great to be finally cleared so I can get on with life.

"I've read the report and everything in there is very pleasing to me."

Waugh revealed he had endured a lot of tough times but with the support of his family, friends and team-mates he managed to keep on going.

"There were times when I was definitely feeling down, but I always concentrated on performing at my best for Australia."

Despite the impact that Gupta's claims have made on international cricket, he refused to be interviewed regarding his claims about Waugh.

"You have to bear in mind that Mr Gupta would face some fairly serious charges in India if he gave evidence in such a way that could later be used against him," said Melick.

Melick said the only person who had supported Gupta's claims had been former Indian all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar.

"Prabhakar made contradictory statements and cannot be regarded as a reliable witness.

"His version of events is at times at variance with Gupta's and he would be of limited use to corroborate Gupta," said Melick.

Cronje's career was ended by Gupta's revelations

ACB chief executive James Sutherland said his recommendation to the board would be that no charges be laid against Waugh.

Waugh has already been contacted by Sutherland.

The bookmaker has implicated several leading players in match-fixing or accused them of receiving money for information.

Gupta's evidence was crucial in ending the careers of former South African skipper Hansie Cronje and India's Mohammad Azharuddin.

England's Alec Stewart, former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe and Sri Lankans Aravinda de Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga - all named by Gupta - have been cleared by inquiries in their own countries.

All the players named by Gupta have denied the charges.

West Indian Brian Lara remains the only player yet to be cleared of allegations.

Melick did ascertain that Gupta was not the same person as the bookie known as John or Pinky who approached Waugh and Shane Warne for pitch and weather information during a tour of Sri Lanka in 1994.