The ICC has made clear its intent to curb the menace of match-fixing and spot-fixing in the World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand early next year, getting the police force of the two countries involved in the process.
“The message we have put forth for this World Cup is more stringent than ever before,” said ICC chief executive Dave Richardson on Monday.
He was speaking at a function where watchmaker Hublot came on board as the official time-keeper of the World Cup.
“For the first time, partnerships have been struck with law enforcement agencies in Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
“[With this association with the police] I can assure that anybody trying to fix matches or associate with players at the 2015 event will find it very difficult. I can safely say the World Cup will be free from any kind of corruption.”
Informing that ticket sales for the quadrennial event had been encouraging, Richardson said the new rules had made the 50-over format exciting and relevant. “The 50-over game is the perfect bridge between the traditional Test match form and Twenty20 cricket. In the 50-over format, the new rules have made the game far more attacking. The run-rates have improved and more wickets are being taken,” he said.
“Yes, we do see it is a little difficult for the bowlers, especially on flat wickets. But with the conditions in Australia and New Zealand, we will see good contests between bat and ball.”
Richardson recalled his World Cup debut in 1992 when South Africa had lost to England in the semifinals in a farcical situation which saw the Proteas needing 22 runs off one ball in a rain-curtailed match.
“Had there been the Duckworth-Lewis system then, we would have needed four off the last ball,” said the South African.
However, he said he valued his World Cup experience.
“It defines a player. When you play a lot of one-dayers…you cannot remember things clearly. But I remember almost everything about the 1992 World Cup. It means the world to participate in the World Cup, and if you have lifted the trophy, it makes a world of difference.
“And if you have not done it, it is a constant regret.”
Speaking on the ICC's initiative to crack down on bowlers with suspect actions, Richardson said: “The ICC has cracked down on bowlers who are extending their arms during the delivery.
“There is no conspiracy about the timing of it... The message is loud and clear to all teams and players: ‘Don’t mess, don’t pick players who have suspicious actions.’” ( sic )
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who was present on the occasion, endorsed ICC’s endeavour.
“I was reported twice, in 1999 and 2006,” he said
“They are not asking you to stop playing cricket. All they are asking you to do is to learn how to bowl within the limits. It is a great initiative taken by the ICC.”
