Thaindian News

Melbourne, Nov 2 (IANS) Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland says administrators need to step up their effort to make cricket corruption free in the wake of the conviction of the two Pakistan players for match fixing.

“It is critically important that the public has confidence in the integrity of the on-field cricket contests.

“Like all other member countries, we have an obligation to implement anti-corruption measures and we are even more committed to this after hearing the news out of the London courts. Our consistent position has been that any credible evidence of corruption be investigated with vigour,” Sutherland said reacting to the conviction of Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif for match fixing.

Sutherland said that anti-corruption should continue to be a priority for ICC.

“As an ICC member, CA has long supported the ICC’s view that anti-corruption needs to be a priority wherever the game is played.”

Continuing education within cricket and the maintenance of a strong anti-corruption culture throughout the game is an important factor in eradicating match-fixing, he said.

Michael Clarke, who is leading the Australian team in South Africa, said the verdict should act as a strong deterrent for anyone who gets involved in match-fixing.

“There is no place in any sport for match fixing of any kind and the verdicts handed down today in the UK should act as a strong deterrent for any player or administrator who tries to denigrate our great game.”

“While today’s proceedings are a step in the right direction, it is hugely important that the authorities continue to put processes in place to rid the game of match fixing forever.”