ICC content, warns of complacency

ICC gives a thumbs-up to the steps taken by PCB to fight the corruption menace.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) progressed towards fulfilling the Internationa Cricket Council’s (ICC) set of recommendations as the governing body gave a thumbs-up to the steps taken by the board to fight the corruption menace.

The seven-member ICC-formed Pakistan Task Team (PTT) held a teleconference yesterday along with the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt as the Pakistan board apprised the PTT, headed by England and Wales Cricket Board Chairman Giles Clarke, on the measures taken in the light of recommendations made by the ICC.

“We are encouraged by the excellent progress and also the willingness of PCB to embrace ICC recommendations,” said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

Following the ICC guidelines, the PCB reiterated it would maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and formed a local committee to oversee the country’s cricketing matters.

The board also barred the suspended trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir from practising on any of its grounds or training centres and withdrew all financial support for the three cricketers in their appeal against the provisional suspension.

PCB warned of complacency

Although the ICC has appreciated the PCB’s steps taken, it also issued a stern reminder to the board of complacency towards the task.

“We can never be complacent nor get distracted in our determination to tackle corruption,” said Lorgat before adding that the PTT has reminded the Pakistan board of its agreement to encourage all players to come forward and play their part in fighting against corruption by disclosing available details to the Anti-Corruption and Safety Unit.“Every player who cares about the game should step forward and help us eradicate corruption from the game.”

PCB to make tough decisions: chairman

The PCB chairman has assured the world body that it would not hesitate in taking tough decisions in a bid to clear the game from corruption.

“Pakistan cricket has no tolerance for any players or officials who are found to be corrupt and will make the tough decisions necessary,” said Ijaz in the ICC media release.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2010.