Officials booted out several "betting cheats" from today's opening match of the Cricket World Cup as part of a multi-agency crackdown on corruption.

Stuff.co.nz watched as a group of men was led from the stadium by police at Hagley Oval in Christchurch shortly before the end of the first innings.

They were questioned by detectives in a tent behind the northern stand.

Police tonight confirmed several "betting cheats" were evicted from today's match. An International Cricket Council (ICC) spokesman confirmed at least one man was evicted from the ground for "using his communication devices to provide match information to people outside this country".

Stuff.co.nz has learned of an operation targeting corruption at the match, particularly a type of betting called courtsiding or pitchsiding where a spectator at a sporting event sends immediate information on scores and activities in a game before it is broadcast a short time later.

The instant information provided can allow either a gambler to gain an advantage over a sportsbook, or for a sportsbook to provide more accurate odds on the game in progress.

As part of yesterday's operation, plain-clothed police staff mingled among spectators at the ground looking for excessive use of electronic devices like lap-tops and cellphones.

The group in question were watched covertly for about ten minutes before detectives stepped in and led them away for questioning.

Courtsiding is a criminal offence in parts of Australia and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Whilst not illegal in New Zealand, it is in breach of the terms of entry to matches at the Cricket World Cup.

Earlier this week, ICC boss Dave Richardson said the organisation was as well prepared as it had ever been to deal with corruption within the game.

The Anti Corruption Unit had been working with authorities in New Zealand and Australia for two to three years setting up memorandums of understanding and sharing information, Richardson said.

Yesterday, after Stuff.co.nz learned of the operation at the match, an ICC spokesman said: "We've got systems in place and these systems are working. People involved in illegal activity are being nabbed and chucked out.

"We all know there's a problem and we're dealing with the problem the best we can.

Superintendent Sandra Manderson said police knew how to idenfity people who were courtsiding and those attempting it would be caught.

"We know what to look for.

"We're aware that people are attempting to operate at venues and they will be detected, evicted and trespassed from all venues.

"We will continue to ensure that ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is a success and an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved."

Manderson previously said a list of banned foreigners had been developed to fight corruption during the tournament.

The list was created by Australian police, the ICC and intelligence sources to stop illegal bookmakers from entering New Zealand and Australia during the six weeks of play.

"Honeytraps" also featured on the list, she said.

They are woman associated with bookies who attempt to lure players into fixing matches.

"Maybe they take photographs of these people. . . it might just be just in a bar, they might throw their arms around someone, they might appear at their bedroom door. It is happening, it's not something we dream up."

She said those photographs could then be used to blackmail players into corruption.

Some people had already been refused visas to New Zealand, but she could not say how many or what countries they traveled from, Manderson said.

During the Australian Open tennis tournament last year a man was charged with courtside betting. It was alleged he used a hidden device to send live point details from a match to a betting agency.

The charge was later dropped because there was no prospect of a conviction.

Near the end of today's match about a dozen people had been evicted from the stadium for a variety of breaches of the terms of entry.

Two people were arrested for invading the pitch nude, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment or a $5000 fine.

Manderson said police were impressed with the vast majority of spectators at today's game.