ICC Support Australian Government Proposals On Cheating

The ICC (International Cricket Council) Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, has announced the ICC’s backing of the ideas put forward by the Australian Government to combat cheating in sport.

The Australian Government has expressed its desire to establish a national framework of laws designed to eradicate all forms of cheating in the game.

Mr Lorgat endorsed these proposals in Perth during the third test match between Australia and India and in the wake of the Westfield case.

 “ICC is pleased to add its support to that of Australia’s Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports (COMPPS) in support of the Australian Government’s initiative to tackle cheating in sport.

 “Like all sports in Australia, the ICC and its Members cherish the reputation and integrity of the game. All sport needs honest competition and while in Australia I will be restating our well known stance to the Government”.

Mr Lorgat also reiterated the importance of a hardline position and referred back to the imprisonment of three Pakistani cricketers in November 2011 after the spot fixing scandal at Lord’s in 2010 .

“In the past year we faced the sort of challenge which could threaten any sport and I believe we conclusively proved that we will not tolerate any threat to the integrity of the game.

 “I hope our swift and decisive action to charge, provisionally suspend and eventually prosecute and ban those who dared to sully the good name of cricket as well as the subsequent criminal prosecution will serve as a deterrent in future”.

The ICC Chair also expressed the governing body’s willingness to work alongside governments and other localised bodies to defeat the problem.

“ICC had also worked effectively with the UK Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police to bring those who committed wrong to justice. Sports governing bodies need state assistance to tackle this worldwide menace and in turn we will support any Government that legislates to protect sport against cheating.

“In supporting this Australian initiative we urge other governments to consider the same to protect all sports. Needless to say we will continue to use everything within our power to ensure that any threat of corrupt activity within the game of cricket is resolutely dealt with.

 “We have always stated that we will explore every possible avenue to ensure that cricket is free from corrupt activity and this initiative of the Australian Government must be commended. ICC will continue to work with the Australian Government and any other Government to protect the integrity of the sport”.

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