World Cup: Strict eye keeping mischief away

ICC taking extra efforts to ensure a scandal-free Cup.

COLOMBO:

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is making unprecedented efforts to keep the World Cup free of the match-fixing menace.

The Express Tribune observed that the ICC’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) with the help of local security agencies in Colombo is making all-out efforts to keep bookies away from the participants. The ICC has also sought the help of journalists covering the event and has placed notices in several places including the media box.

“The ICC follows a zero-tolerance policy and is committed to keeping the game clean,” says the notice before adding that it also “welcomes any information relating to corruption.”

An official close to the ACSU told The Express Tribune that similar notices have been placed in and around the dressing rooms besides other parts of the stadium. He added that the governing body has divided the hosting nations into divisions where several foreign security officials have been deployed to keep a vigilant eye on any suspicious activity.

In Sri Lanka, a former UK police official Ron Hops is working as the regional security manager while Alan Peacock, another former UK police officer is acting as an ACSU investigator. Howard Beer, a former Australian security official is working as an assistant regional security manager.

An official, however, confirmed that the ACSU scanner was not just on Pakistan.

“All players competing in the World Cup are being watched and there are no specific targets.”

Foreign bookies opt to stay away

According to a local bookie in Sri Lanka, foreign gamblers who planned a Sri Lankan sojourn where Pakistan team will stay for the best part of World Cup have decided to stay away citing strict security measurements.

“Many bookies stayed away due to high risk factor,” said a bookie. “This time the ICC has also taken help from local security agencies who are working under cover to hunt down any that get involved with the teams.”

‘No room for foul play’

The Pakistan team management has implemented strict rules to avoid any unpleasant incident involving national players.

“Even brothers or close relatives of any player are not allowed inside their rooms,” manager Intikhab Alam told The Express Tribune. “The rules we have made are very strict. Players are not allowed to speak to strangers and cameras have been installed to see any suspicious activity.

“We are not attending any parties which usually take place during tours. The aim is just to avoid contact with the strangers.”

Pakistan opt to rest in Kandy

Pakistan team reached Kandy yesterday after the win against Canada. The team is due to meet New Zealand on March 8 and Zimbabwe on March 14 at the newly-built Pallakele Stadium in Kandy.

The team was scheduled to practice on Friday but it opted to rest in Colombo.

“The players badly need a rest after Colombo,” team manager Intikhab Alam told The Express Tribune. “All our players are fit and Abdul Rehman is also showing improvement from a leg injury. Hopefully he will be available for the New Zealand match.”

The team that will stay in Kandy for 11 days will return Colombo on March 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2011.