ICC responds to Brendon McCullum's hard-hitting accusations on tackling match-fixing

After facing a stinging criticism from former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum on their ‘casual’ approach towards the menace of match-fixing, the ICC have shot back by assuring that the system in place was comprehensive and efficient.

Speaking to PTI, an ICC spokesperson responded to the aggressive batsman’s claims of leakage of sensitive evidence. He asserted, “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. 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.”

In a no-holds-barred speech at the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture on Monday, McCullum had slammed the ICC for failing to handle the Chris Cairns perjury case in an appropriate manner.

The recently-retired McCullum had declared, “It goes without saying that if players do not have confidence in the organization (ICC), they will be reluctant to report approaches and the game is worse off. If we are to get rid of the scourge of match-fixing, a robust governing body is essential.”

Pointing out the counter-measures adopted by cricket’s governing body, the ICC spokesperson noted, “In 2014, 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 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 maintained, “Every event or incident provides an organization with opportunities to review its structures and measure its operations against best practice. This is exactly what the ICC has done in this particular case. It believes the outcome has been processes, procedures, and resources which have been further bolstered and strengthened.”

He added, “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.”