ICC’s ACSU Designs New Plans for Curbing Match and Spot-Fixing
The International Cricket Council’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit has come up with a new strategy of curbing the fixing menace that has re-emerged to rock the world of cricket, with the spot fixing scandal that embroiled three Pakistani cricketers in the ongoing ill-fated tour of England.
The trio (comprised of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer) allegedly conspired to deliberately bowl no-balls during England’s first innings in the fourth and final test at Lord's that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 lost by a record margin to hand the hosts a 3-1 win in the four match test series.
Following the emergence of the controversy, the trio was suspended by the ICC for an unspecified period http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AS-Scotland-c46175 Yard and the ACSU launched their investigations. The trio returned from England last week amid calls for harsh punishments if they are found guilty of the offence.
Over the years, the ICC has been blamed by many for not doing enough to stamp out corruption from the game despite slapping life bans on three international captains: the late Hansie Cronje, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Azharuddin-c76823 and Saleem Malik some ten years ago.
The Chief Executive of the ICC, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Haroon-Lorgat-c61719, claimed that the governing body was keen on rooting out the evil yet it was not a straightforward process and needed support of all the member boards and their respective governments.
“The chief executive committee has wisely recommended a thorough review of all our procedures and protocols and that is something which is already underway,” he said. “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.”
He added that the tag of being at the forefront in attempting to root out corruption was not significant unless the governing body achieved something concrete.
"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."
Meanwhile reports emanating from Pakistan indicate that the tainted triumvirate of Butt, Aamer and Asif have filed an appeal against the suspension handed out to them by the ICC. The legal consultant of the PCB, Tafazzul Rizvi, revealed to the local media that the three decided to go ahead with their appeals after long deliberations as they aim to fight back against what they feel was unfair treatment meted out to them by the governing body, especially since the allegations against them are yet to be proven.
On the other hand, it still is unclear if the ICC and Scotland Yard have unearthed enough strong evidence to nail the three and ban them for life or for a significant time.
The controversy erupted almost a month ago yet no charges have been levelled at the players and they were even allowed to travel back to Pakistan without much trouble.
The coming few days are however significant as Wahab Riaz, the Pakistani fast bowler who made a stunning debut claiming five wickets in the Oval test, appears before the Scotland Yard investigating team in London. The News of the World alleges that he wore a jacket that had ten thousand pounds placed in it by bookie http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mazhar-c75448 Majeed who is at the centre of the scandal. What becomes of that interview is what everyone is anxiously waiting for.
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