ICC promises vigilance over illegal betting

10:37 am on 16 February 2015

The International Cricket Council's anti-corruption head, Sir Ronnie Flanagan says officials will be working to stamp out the practice of "courtsiding" at Cricket World Cup matches.

The crowd at New Zealand versus Sri Lanka at the Cricket World Cup at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.

The crowd at New Zealand versus Sri Lanka at the Cricket World Cup at Christchurch's Hagley Oval. Photo: RNZ / Patrick Phelps

A small group of spectators at the cup opener in Christchurch were ejected for passing on real-time information to overseas gamblers.

Courtsiding, which is also known as pitch-siding, involves people taking advantage of broadcasting time delays to place bets.

It is not illegal in New Zealand, but is in breach of tournament rules and Sir Ronnie says it would not be tolerated.

He said it was bad for the game and he was happy with the way police handled the matter so far.

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