Corruption remains the biggest problem for cricket administration, but the ICC anti-corruption squad stopped one possible approach by a former Kenyan international to a Ugandan player during the current T20 World Cup.
The incident took place in Guyana during the league stage matches. It was an attempt by a former Kenyan bowler to contact one of the Uganda team member using different lines.
“A person who wanted to corrupt him targeted him because he is from Uganda, this is not surprising because the associate nations are more vulnerable but however in this case he did what was supposed to be done and reported to ICC immediately,” said an insider from PTI.
As part of ICC’s stringent anti-corruption laws, it was upon this athlete from Uganda to inform ACU officials about that incident.
This occurrence then led such authorities to alert all affiliated teams on the previous Kenyan player and raise alarm against him.
“The players are approached all time especially those from smaller countries. In major events like T20 World Cup there is enough scrutiny and if any such approach is brought into notice of ICC ACU then due procedure shall be followed leading to proper investigation,” another source said.
Under ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code, failure to report any corruption solicitation amounts to an offence. Other offenses include match fixing, gambling on matches or sharing insider information among others which are considered as misuses.
On Friday in Trinidad, Uganda rounded off their Twenty20 World Cup campaign with a thrilling win over Papua New Guinea and losses against Afghanistan as well as New Zealand and West Indies. Only three of Uganda’s four league games were hosted in Guyana. The competition saw the debut appearance of Uganda alongside hosts USA and Canada.
“The provisions contained within this code cover all cricket (whether at International or Domestic level) played under the auspices of ICC/ICC Members and applies directly to all Participants: Players; Coaches; Trainers; Managers; Selectors; Team Owners or Officials; Doctors; Physiotherapists; Match Referees; Pitch Curators; Player Agents: Umpires and ICC and NCF Officials.”
On June 1, the International Cricket Council (ICC) altered its Anti-Corruption Policy allowing its executive board and member boards to “proactively and thoroughly address corruption incidents in attempts to protect the spirit of cricket”.
It is important to note that this Code applies for a period of two years commencing from the last official match played by Participants.
“The most serious breaches of the Anti-Corruption Code carry a maximum possible sanction of a life ban on involvement in any aspect of cricket. In some countries, there may also be criminal sanctions,” according to ICC anti-corruption code for participants.
Foreign participants are kept updated about potential threats through regular provision of information on the anti-corruption code.
This kind of corruption at big sporting events is not something new.
During the 2011 ODI World Cup in India, Hamza Tariq, Canada’s 20 year old wicketkeeper was approached by alleged bookmakers. He reported it to police as expected.
