Four International Captains Reported Approaches to ICC's ACU

In its annual report on Friday (July 20), the Dubai-based world cricket body of gentleman’s game cricket International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed some dark secrets.

ICC in its statement reiterated that between June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018, four International captains have reported the approaches to the ICC’s Anti Corruption Unit (ACU).

The arrival of ACU supremo, Alex Marshall:

All the 18 investigations since June 1, 2017, took place in presence of Marshall. On September 1, last year, Marshall was appointed as ICU General Manager.

“There has been a pleasing increase in the number of players having the confidence to approach the ACU with reports of suspicious activity. Four international captains reported approaches during 2017-18 and every avenue was explored,” said the ICC in the report.

Cases absolved:

Out of the above mentioned 18 cases, charges have been brought in four cases and out of the five cases which were concluded.

“There were five disruptions — where individuals who are not directly involved in cricket have their corrupt activities disrupted — and 13 investigations remained ongoing as at May 31, 2018. Two of the investigations were media stings, one investigation exonerated a groundsman and several players whilst the other is ongoing,” said the report.

New leagues accelerate the chances of corruption:

ICC further said as the new leagues have been accelerating across the globe. The challenges to eradicating the corruption from the game have eventually become very tough.

“These leagues range from well managed – in anti-corruption terms – global events through. To those organised entirely for the purposes of corruption. The most obvious example of the latter is the Ajman All Stars event. It took place in the UAE in early 2018.”

 

“Going forward, it is intended to set minimum standards in anti-corruption to cover all the new T20 leagues across the world. Because it is not possible to police every one of those matches in person,” stated the report further.

A proper education facility has been provided – ICC

ICC further said that 1,468 players have been educated over the span of two years (2017-18)

Furthermore, support staff and match officials have been provided with proper education at 12 international events.

Subsequently, it includes six ICC global events including the 2017 Champions Trophy and the Women’s World Cup respectively.