Chief Executives’ Committee supports ICC’s decisive action against corruption

JOHANNESBURG - The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) will recommend to the ICC Board that a wide-ranging and, if necessary, independent review of the current ICC anti-corruption measures be commissioned to maintain the integrity of our great sport.

The CEC also reaffirmed the ICC’s zero-tolerance stance against any form of corruption within the sport and wished to send a strong message to players and other stakeholders by supporting the decisive action taken by the ICC in the face of the recent spot-fixing allegations at the Lord’s Test match between England and Pakistan.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said that cricket must not and would not be complacent when it came to tackling corruption.

He said: “It is not enough that the ICC is regarded by other sporting organisations as a leader in the battle against corruption in sport. We must continue to assess and, where necessary, improve our processes. The recent allegations have reminded everyone of the need to remain vigilant and to ensure public confidence in our sport.

“CEC has wisely recommended a thorough review of all our procedures and protocols and that is something which is already underway. I am especially keen to engage with governments to consider the regulation of betting and also to consider the accreditation of player representatives or agents.

“While the present investigations are ongoing we will not discuss or comment on any specific issues but this incident is a warning for all of us. We must heed those warnings and heed them quickly.”

Lorgat also reflected on some irresponsible reporting by certain sections of the media, which had led to unfair and unsubstantiated allegations against some players and wild speculation in relation to some events.

He added: “It is important for the media to be responsible when reporting on matters of corruption in our sport. The reputation and safety of a player is also paramount and to suggest anything untoward without any substantiation or firm evidence is irresponsible and most unfair on a player.”

The CEC comprises the chief executives of the 10 Test-playing Members and three representatives from the ICC Associate and Affiliate Members. It is chaired by the ICC Chief Executive. The ICC Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee will also be in attendance. (ANI)