ICC to strengthen anti-corruption approach

London: The International Cricket Council on Saturday agreed to strengthen the sport`s approach towards fighting corruption in the wake of the recent spot-fixing scandals in domestic Twenty20 events like the Indian Premier League and Bangladesh Premier League.

In the ICC Annual Conference 2013 which concluded here today, the chairman of the world body`s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), Ronnie Flanagan, presented his annual report in a joint session that was attended by the ICC Board and the ICC Chief Executives` Committee (CEC). The report included a number of recommendations for dealing with anti-corruption matters, a statement from the ICC said. Reiterating its zero-tolerance approach to corruption, the ICC Board agreed to incorporate an enhanced set of principles for dealing with anti-corruption matters that includes a consistent framework for international and domestic anti-corruption rules, addresses the jurisdictional challenges and sets out principles to support mutual recognition of Member Board decisions/sanctions. The ICC Board was also updated on the ongoing investigations by the ICC`s ACSU in respect of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2013. It was advised that further investigative work needed to be completed before any further action can be taken in this extremely important matter. "The ICC has a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and is committed to using all powers available to it to achieve and maintain the goal of a corruption-free sport," ICC chief executive David Richardson said. "In the wake of recent events, the ICC and its Member Boards will further strengthen and tighten our Anti-Corruption Codes and other integrity regulations pertaining to international and domestic events and develop methods for better information sharing across jurisdictions. "The ICC remains confident, but not complacent, that the vast majority of players, officials and administrators in international cricket uphold the best interests of the sport. But there continues to be a very small minority whose involvement with corrupt practices discredits themselves and their colleagues, and tarnishes the reputation of the sport itself. " PTI