Corruption continues to be a persistent issue for cricket administrators. During the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the ICC’s anti-corruption unit quickly addressed an incident involving a former Kenyan international attempting to contact a Ugandan player. According to PTI reports, the Kenyan pacer repeatedly tried to reach out to the Ugandan team member using multiple phone numbers.

Following the ICC’s stringent anti-corruption guidelines, a player reported an approach to the on-site Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) officials. In response, the officials issued a warning about a former Kenyan player, informing all associate teams.

Weakness of smaller nations to corruption attempts

“It’s not surprising that this individual targeted a player from the Ugandan national team. Smaller associate nations are more susceptible to corruption attempts compared to the major powerhouses. However, in this instance, the approached player promptly reported the incident to the ICC,” remarked a source.

“Players, especially those from smaller nations, are frequently approached. Major tournaments like the T20 World Cup are under heightened scrutiny. Any attempts to influence players or officials are promptly reported to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, where the established protocol is followed and a thorough investigation is conducted,” stated another source.

Effective June 1, the ICC updated its anti-corruption code, empowering the governing body and its member boards to proactively and thoroughly investigate any incidents of corruption. This is a crucial step to protect the integrity of the game.

Implementation and Enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Code

“The anti-corruption code is applicable to both international and domestic cricket events sanctioned by the ICC and its member associations. It encompasses players, coaches, officials, and all other individuals engaged in official cricket activities. This code remains valid for two years after an individual’s last involvement in any official cricket match or event.

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The most severe violations of the Anti-Corruption Code can lead to the imposition of a lifetime ban from any participation in the sport. Additionally, in certain jurisdictions, criminal penalties may also be pursued,” as outlined in the ICC’s anti-corruption code.

Global players undergo regular briefings on potential threats and receive training in the anti-corruption code. Regrettably, corrupt approaches during major sporting events are not uncommon. For instance, at the ODI World Cup 2011 in India, alleged bookmakers approached 20-year-old Canadian wicket-keeper Hamza Tariq. Tariq promptly reported the incident to the authorities.