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

Adhering to 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.

“It comes as no surprise that this individual targeted a player from the Ugandan national team. Smaller associate nations, unlike the major powerhouses, are more vulnerable to corruption attempts. However, in this case, the player who was approached promptly reported the incident to the ICC,” remarked a source.

“Players are frequently approached, especially the ones from smaller nations. Major tournaments, such as the T20 World Cup, are subject to heightened scrutiny. Any reported attempts to influence players or officials are duly reported to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit. In such cases, the established protocol is followed, and a thorough investigation is conducted,” an another source stated.

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.

“The anti-corruption code applies to all international and domestic cricket organized under the ICC and its member bodies. It covers players, coaches, officials, and other participants involved in official cricket. The code remains in effect for 2 years after a person’s last participation in any official cricket match or event.

The most serious breaches of the Anti-Corruption Code can result in a maximum sanction of a lifetime ban from all involvement in the game. In some countries, criminal sanctions may also be possible,” noted from the ICC’s anti-corruption code.

International players are regularly briefed on potential threats and trained in the anti-corruption code. Unfortunately, corrupt advances at major sporting events are common. For example, during the ODI World Cup 2011 in India, 20-year-old Canadian wicket-keeper Hamza Tariq was approached by alleged bookmakers. Tariq then reported the incident to the authorities.