The Times of India claimed that the February 21 match in Ahmedabad was being probed by the ICC's anti-corruption body. -Reuters Photo

AHMEDABAD: International Cricket Council chief Haroon Lorgat on Wednesday blasted media allegations that the World Cup match between Australia and Zimbabwe was under investigation for match-fixing.

The Times of India claimed on Tuesday that the February 21 match in Ahmedabad was being probed by the ICC's anti-corruption body.

“The article...can only be described as fictional,” said Lorgat.

“We do not comment on the activities of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) and for good reason.

“However, after several misleading and downright false stories appearing in recent weeks it is time for us to show our displeasure and expose those responsible for affecting the integrity of the media.

“It is also patently false of the reporter to claim that the ICC ever suggested to it that the match was corrupted. The ICC confirms that, in terms of its policy, at no stage did anyone from the ICC speak to the journalist on this topic.

“To uphold the integrity of the media I expect the Times of India to retract such baseless stories.”

Australia had already dismissed as “laughable” claims that the ICC was investigating the match.