Investigators agree to
co-ordinated approach to beat corruption

The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit team was supported in India by special investigators appointed by the Australian Cricket Board, New Zealand Cricket and the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. Each of these Boards has cricketers named in the CBI report.

Greg Melick, Australia, Tim Gresson, New Zealand and Desmond Fernando, Sri Lanka, are investigating the allegations made against Mark Waugh, Martin Crowe, Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva respectively.

Each is working closely and in a co-ordinated fashion with the ACU. At the conclusion of their recent visit to India the investigators commented:

Greg Melick: "As previously stated by the Australian Cricket Board, we have been conducting an investigation in concert with other Boards which has been co-ordinated by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit. This visit to India has been a good example of that co-operation. We have made significant progress and established many important contacts that will assist with the furtherance of this investigation."

Tim Gresson: "The CBI has produced an extremely thorough report and it has been very valuable to meet and talk with the officers who were responsible for its compilation. Clearly the issue of cricket corruption is one of a global nature, so it is vital that world cricket tackles it in a genuinely cohesive fashion. This week’s visit to India is a demonstration of that resolve."

Desmond Fernando: "Each of the Boards who have players named in the CBI report are taking the allegations very seriously. This is my second visit to India in recent weeks and I have also met with the ACU in London. I agree with my colleagues Mr Melick and Mr Gresson that the most effective way forward is through the sharing of information and agreement to a co-ordinated approach. My investigations will continue on this basis."

Mail Cricket Editor