ICC welcomes PCB’s initial efforts to eradicate corruption

ISLAMABAD - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed satisfaction over initial efforts made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in sorting out its administration and eradicating corruption from the game in the country.

Following a meeting of the Pakistan Task Team (PTT) members via teleconference, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said the world body is satisfied with the PCB’s response.

“We are encouraged by the excellent progress reported and also the willingness of PCB to embrace ICC recommendations. However, we can never be complacent nor distracted in our determination to tackle corruption,” the Daily Times quoted Lorgat, as saying in a statement.

“The ICC Task Team was mindful of the challenges faced by PCB and is committed to support Pakistan playing international cricket, but recognised the importance of rooting out corruption from the sport,” he said, adding, “It also fully endorsed the stated policy of zero-tolerance towards corruption in order to ensure the integrity of cricket.”

Lorgat said the ICC had issued a broad advisory to every member country about the need to root out corruption from the sport.

“This advisory requests all international players and support personnel to sign a one-off declaration before participating in the next FTP match and/or ICC event. Such declaration is intended to serve as an important reminder of the spirit in which the game is meant to be played, the importance of its integrity and their roles and responsibilities in this regard,” he said.

“Every single player who cares about the game should step forward and help us to eradicate corruption from the game. I can assure that such disclosures will be treated in strict confidence,” he added.

As the chairman of the PTT, ICC director Giles Clarke was joined by members of the task team as well as PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt and PCB Senior General Manager Cricket Operations (International), Subhan Ahmed, and advised the members about the group’s additional responsibilities after the ICC executive board meeting.

“The task team urged everyone to support the PCB to reform its cricket and governance models and the important role Ijaz Butt has to play in this regard. An independent Board would help it to regain its glory and ensure long-term success,” Clarke said.

The PCB chief thanked the ICC for extending its support to Pakistan cricket. “We are grateful to the ICC for its advice and support in these challenging times. Rest assured that Pakistan cricket has no tolerance for any players or officials who are found to be corrupt and will make the tough decisions (if) necessary,” said Butt. (ANI)