Danish Kaneria named in court as go-between in fixing case

23-year-old Essex seamer, had been found guilty of accepting £6,000 bowl so that 12 runs would be scored in the first over of a 40-over match between Durham in September 2009, although in fact only 10 were scored.

The court Old Bailey heard that Westfield was approached by teammate Kaneria, who revealed that an acquaintance would pay the fast bowler to cheat.
Prosecutor Nigel Peters QC said the deal emerged after another Essex player, Tony Palladino, showed Westfield “the most money he had ever seen”.

Kaneria and his associates targeted Westfield: Lawyer

Mark Milliken-Smith QC, for Westfield, told the court: “It is clear, we submit, that Kaneria and his associates targeted Westfield.

“Westfield was on the verge of the squad, more susceptible for that reason. Less likely perhaps to be able to say no to the club’s international star, his future with the club uncertain.”

Kaneria was arrested with connection with case in 2009

Kaneria, who played 18 one-day internationals and 61 Tests and for Pakistan between 2000 and 2010, was arrested in connection with the case in 2009 but later released without charge.

Meanwhile Westfield, who pleaded guilty last month to the charges, has been banned from all cricket by the England and Wales Cricket Board pending a disciplinary hearing. He has become the first county cricketer in England to be jailed for spot fixing.