After Brendon McCullum’s criticism, the ICC said it is trying to regain the trust of cricketers by continued review of its anti-corruption activities. Former New Zealand captain McCullum, during his ‘MCC Spirit of Cricket’ lecture today in London, lashed out at the ICC for the manner in which the game’s governing body handled issues of corruption.
The ICC said it could never figure out the exact source of the leak, which according to McCullum, shook his faith in the body. Cairns was cleared of any involvement in match-fixing at the end of a nine-week trial in November last year.
“The ICC commended Brendon McCullum two years ago and continues to do so today for his brave, courageous and principled stand against corruption in cricket. The ICC also understood and shared his dismay at the leak of his confidential statement, which prompted a thorough and detailed investigation by the ICC,” an ICC spokesperson told.
“While the probe proved that the origin of the leak was not from within the ICC, it failed to establish beyond doubt the actual source. Nevertheless, the ICC has already put strong measures in place to ensure this type of incident is never repeated,” he added.
The ICC has worked towards making its anti-corruption procedures fool proof. “In 2014 (and unrelated to the leak of confidential information), a comprehensive review of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit was carried out to review its processes, functions, and resources. The review was conducted by the ICC’s Integrity Working Party (IWP), which included independent corruption experts. All the recommendations of the IWP were reviewed and adopted by the ICC Board during the 2015 ICC Annual Conference in Barbados,” the official said.
“The ICC reconfirms that it is doing absolutely everything in its power to fight the threat of corruption in the sport and will continue to do so. It also reaffirms its commitment to gain and retain the complete trust of cricketers, and to work in close cooperation with all stakeholders in cricket,” he added.