The Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) of the ICC has brought to the notice of the Chief Executives of the member boards and the ICC Board, that after its 75th Annual Conference in the first week of last July in Dublin, it has initiated 16 investigations, majority of it linked to corrupt and unscrupulous approaches made to cricketers and team support staff.
A report submitted to the ICC Chief Executives and the ICC Board at the ongoing ICC quarterly meetings in Singapore, the ACU has expressed concern and alarm at the big way corrupters have targeted Zimbabwe players and officials.
The report also says: “ Over the last 12 months, a disproportionate number of investigations have related to Sri Lanka. We (ACU) have serious concerns that cricketers in Sri Lanka are being targeted by well organised corrupters. We have met the Sports Minister and competent authority to express our serious misgivings. We have proposed ways of making Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) more resistant to corruption through the introduction of match fixing legislation and a review of existing governance structures.”
Following intelligence reports and investigations, the ACU and ICC’s legal department have worked on prospective charges for breaches of the Code in many cases, which it was to convey to the ICC Board on Saturday (Oct.20).
The ACU has also said in its report that it receives intelligence reports “From people within the game and those linked to corrupters and that tournaments using the short forms of the game, continue to generate the most intelligence and the greatest concerns. We have seen several players approached in advance of events and leagues planned over the coming months.”
Furthermore the ACU has stated: “We are investigating a number of suspected corrupters who appear to be buying into, or investing in franchises for the purpose of gaining access to players with the intent of match fixing. We are demanding details of all owners and financial backers, where we are covering such events. Members are again requested to inform the ACU if they receive such proposals and seek our advice on people of interest.”
