Trying to regain the trust of cricketers: ICC

Stung by Brendon McCullum’s scathing criticism of its “casual” handling of match-fixing evidence against Chris Cairns, the ICC today said it is trying to regain the trust of cricketers by continued review of its anti-corruption activities. Former New Zealand captain McCullum, during his ‘MCC Spirit of Cricket’ lecture yesterday in London, lashed out at the ICC for the manner in which the game’s governing body handled issues of corruption.

His particular reference was to the case against his compatriot Cairns, in which McCullum gave evidence, which was leaked to a British tabloid during the course of the trial.

The ICC today said it could never figure out the exact source of the leak, which according to McCullum, shook his faith in the body.

Cairns was cleared of any involvement in match-fixing at the end of a nine-week trial in November last year.

The ICC, reacting to McCullum’s outburst, said it respects the former New Zealand captain’s contribution in the fight against corruption.

“The ICC commended Brendon McCullum two years ago - and continues to do so today - for his brave, courageous and principled stand against corruption in cricket. The ICC also understood and shared his dismay at the leak of his confidential statement, which prompted a thorough and detailed investigation by the ICC,” an ICC spokesperson told PTI.

“While the probe proved that the origin of the leak was not from within the ICC, it failed to establish beyond doubt the actual source. Nevertheless, the ICC has already put strong measures in place to ensure this type of incident is never repeated,” he added.

The official said the ICC has worked towards making its anti-corruption procedures foolproof.

“In 2014 (and unrelated to the leak of confidential information), a comprehensive review of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit was carried out to review its processes, functions and resources.

“The review was conducted by the ICC’s Integrity Working Party (IWP), which included independent corruption experts.  All the recommendations of the IWP were reviewed and adopted by the ICC Board during the 2015 ICC Annual Conference in Barbados,” the official said.

The ICC spokesperson said the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is more strengthened than before.

“Every event or incident provides an organisation with opportunities to review its structures and measure its operations against best practice. This is exactly what the ICC has done in this particular case - it believes the outcome has been processes, procedures and resources which have been further bolstered and strengthened,” he said.

“The ICC reconfirms that it is doing absolutely everything in its power to fight the threat of corruption in the sport and will continue to do so. It also reaffirms its commitment to gain and retain the complete trust of cricketers, and to work in close cooperation with all stakeholders in cricket,” he added.