The International Cricket Council said it has received a report from the Australia team management that a suspected bookie had approached one of their players in London and praised the cricketer for bringing the matter to notice.
“The ICC can confirm that its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has received a report from the Australia team management concerning an approach to one of its players by a man suspected of links to illegal bookmaking,” the ICC said in a statement here.
“There is no evidence of any illegal activity as a result of this approach, which took place following the second Test at Lord’s in July, and the ICC would like to place on record its praise for the player approached and the Australia team management for reporting the issue,” it said.
“Approaches to players do happen and it would be naive to assume otherwise; if they did not then there would be no need for the continuing existence of the ACSU.
“However, the ICC is confident that all approaches are being reported, it is proud of systems and education processes in place which have created a widespread culture of integrity among the world’s top players and it is pleased those players have confidence in the ACSU to report such matters,” the statement read.
The ICC did not disclose the identity of the player who was approached in the bar of Australia’s hotel in London.
“The ICC does not intend to reveal specifics of any approaches to players because doing so would have the potential to be counter-productive to any investigations and also to relationships of trust the ACSU has developed,” the statement said.
The governing body, however, dismissed reports claiming that bookies made similar approach to players during the Twenty20 World Cup.
“There is no indication that any matches in the current Ashes series or the ICC World Twenty20 2009 have been affected by corruption in any way and the ICC is confident the issue is under control,” it said.
ICC General Manager, Cricket, David Richardson said the game needed to retain its integrity and stay clear of corruption.
“Cricket is more popular than ever before and with that popularity comes the opportunities for growth but also challenges such as the one highlighted by the approach to an Australian player.
“The ICC, its members and the ACSU will continue to deal effectively with these challenges to ensure the game remains a great sport with a great spirit,” added Richardson.
