ICC reviews anti-corruption measures
The chief executive of International Cricket Council (ICC), http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Haroon-Lorgat-c61719, believes that the Anti- Corruption and Security Unit (ASCU) cannot afford to do nothing. The cricketing body needs to take action and fix the recent match-fixing events, to ensure
international cricket’s clean up. The ICC anti-corruption measures are under severe questioning ever since the Pakistani match-fixing fiasco occurred in the ongoing tour of England.
Lorgat says, “the chief executive committee has wisely recommended a thorough review of all our procedures and protocols and that is something which is already underway”, also adding, “ 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”.
ICC is considered to be a leading organisation in the eradication of corruption in sports throughout the world. Officials at ICC feel the need to improve their security processes, given that other international teams and players have also reported suspicious
approaches from bookmakers. The Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan cricket players have shown concerns regarding the matter as well.
Sri Lankan fast bowler, Dilhara Fernando, revealed that he had been approached by suspicious characters. The Lankan tiger informed the ASCU, when they met the Sri Lankan team after the 2009 attacks on the team in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755. On the other hand, ESPNcricinfo,
had reported on 10th September 2010, the possibility that more than one Sri Lankan players has been approached by suspicious persons on more than one occasion over the last year and a half. One of these instances took place during the World Twenty20
in England.
Former Australian Captain and now cricket commentator and columnist, Ian Chappell believes if a firm course of action is not taken to protect the game now, the world might end-up losing the game itself. Chappell also stated against the notion of letting
young Pakistani fast bowler Amir off the hook as he is too young to decipher right from wrong. Chappell says that the honest players have already gone through a lot from playing in an era tainted by fixers. And once a player has crooks in his pockets, they
always stay there. Thus, Chappell has urged ICC and ASCU that firm action should be taken to safeguard cricket and its integrity.
On the other hand, sportswriter Rob Steen has categorised match-fixing as, “sports greatest evil”, which is why it is a bigger crime than use of performance-enhancing drugs. Steen believes that both crimes can ruin the spirit and integrity of the game.
All fingers are on ICC and its Anti- Corruption Unit to resolve the current match-fixing issues with utmost urgency. Concerns have been shown by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) officials as Pakistani team is scheduled to play in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 before the World Cup2011.
NZC fears a lack of turn-over in the audience as they will lose interest in the game. Black Cap skipper Daniel Vettori has also put forward the same concerns and have requested the following suspended Pakistani cricketers should not be touring New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Australian Captain Ricky Ponting has said, that only those who are guilty should be punished, not the entire Pakistani team. The Australian skipper and coach have stated the test matches played against Pakistani team in England two months ago,
were hard cricket. On the contrary, Pakistani One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20) skipper has told the press that the turn over from Pakistani fans was the same as before. And as long as the players are enjoying their cricket, results really do
not matter at this moment for the young touring side.
ICC officials are on the move ever since the first stories came forward reporting allegations of match-fixing regarding Pakistani team and other international players. But the ICC fears that some media coverage to the entire event is a bit critical.
Lograt says, “It is important for the media to be responsible when reporting on matters of corruption in our sports, also adding, “The reputation and safety of a player is also paramount and to suggest anything untoward without any substantial and firm evidence
is irresponsible and most unfair on a player”.
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