PSL vows to leave no room for corruption, honey traps

Organisers promise to keep those ‘vulnerable’ under hawk-eye in the second edition

KARACHI: T20 leagues bring loads of excitement and business but as they grow they become prone to controversies, hence tainting the sport. The organisers of the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) are aware of the danger.

From giving a reminder on anti-corruption to keeping a watchful eye on players, the PSL bigwigs are promising to take concrete measures to ensure smooth running of the second edition which will be held from February 9 to March 7, 2017 in the UAE (final scheduled to be held in Lahore).

The first edition of the lucrative league – organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – was held successfully without any major controversy. However, by learning from the experience of rival leagues like the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) which faced numerous challenges including the spot-fixing case after its inception, the PSL is taking initiatives to tighten the noose on troublemakers.

“PCB Security & Anti-Corruption is aware of the fact that after the success of first edition, PSL 2017 is more vulnerable with regard to corrupt practices,” Col. R Mohammad Azam Khan PCB’s Senior General Manager Vigilance told The Express Tribune.

Khan also informed that apart from following the practice of the first edition, the PSL will also take more measures including roping in Sportradar to keep a check on betting activities. “We will organise an Anti-Corruption workshop [involving International Cricket Council Anti-Corruption experts] for franchises and PSL management in the third week of January, 2017,” he said.

He added: “Professional anti-corruption officers [integrity officers] will be designated with each team to ensure implementation of PCB anti-corruption code and player’s code of conduct. All the matches will be monitored by Sportradar for analysis of any unusual betting activity in the international market.”

‘Vulnerable players to remain under hawk-eye’ 

Recently, the Bangladesh Premier League was marred by a controversy when a cricketer allegedly brought a female guest to his hotel room in a possible “honey trap” plot. The incident prompted the PSL organisers to plan measures to avoid any such controversy.

“Integrity officers will physically monitor the activities of all the players and support staff to protect them from honey traps, persona non grata and innocent gimmicks,” he said. “They will be categorised as per their vulnerability and designated integrity officers would pay special attention towards them, highlighting the ill-effects of involvement in any corrupt practice.”

Khan added that just before the start of the league, all the teams’ members will be given a fresh reminder. “Prior to the start of league, all the players and staff will be delivered anti-corruption lectures including education, motivation and deterrence,” he said.