ICC welcomes apology from Times Of India

The ICC has today welcomed the front-page apology from the Times Of India newspaper after its fictional and damaging report which stated that the Australia v Zimbabwe ICC Cricket World Cup game had been fixed.

In its apology, published from New Delhi, the newspaper said: "The Times Of India carried a story on its website on March 22 alleging that the match between Australia and Zimbabwe had been spot-fixed. We apologise to Australia, Cricket Australia and the ICC for any embarrassment caused by this. We also accept that at no stage has the ICC ever confirmed or suggested the match was fixed. The story has since been taken off the website."

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: "The story was not only fictional but was also damaging to the image of cricket. I am pleased that the Times Of India, took a responsible step and corrected the facts at its earliest opportunity."