LONDON (AP):

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an "urgent investigation" following allegations by an Indian television station that several umpires were willing to fix matches for money.

India TV on Monday broadcast footage of a sting operation, undertaken by undercover reporters in July, August and September, that purportedly exposes six international-level umpires from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The ICC said none of the six officiated in any official matches at the World Twenty20 which finished Sunday and was won by West Indies.

"The ICC and its relevant members have been made aware of the allegations made by India TV this evening and calls on the station to turn over any information which can assist the ICC's urgent investigations into this matter," the ICC said in a statement.

"The ICC reiterates its zero tolerance towards corruption, whether alleged against players or officials."

India TV identified the umpires in the sting and said three of them agreed to give favourable decisions, including in warm-up matches for the World Twenty20.

'Operation World Cup'

Another was filmed in the sting - called 'Operation World Cup' - promising to "revolt" against Sri Lankan cricket, and the fifth official was willing to ensure decisions would be given in favour of India. It is not clear what tournament or matches the two umpires were referring to.

The sixth umpire reportedly shared the pitch and toss reports as well as playing line-ups for the warm-up match between England and Australia on September 17 in exchange for 50,000 rupees, according to India TV.

A seventh umpire, from Bangladesh, was approached but refused to cooperate. One of the umpires identified played one Test match for Pakistan and has officiated in five Test matches.

Video clips of the interviews conducted by undercover reporters with umpires, mostly conducted over Skype voice and webcam calls, were still featured on India TV's website yesterday.

Press Trust of India reported that the umpires involved had denied the allegations, while the Bangladesh and Sri Lanka cricket boards issued a statement saying the allegations would be part of a detailed inquiry.