In the wake of allegations about corruption involving members of the Pakistan cricket team, the head of the UK’s leading anti-corruption group, Transparency International UK, today called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to strengthen enforcement of its anti-corruption code.

31 August 2010 - Transparency International UK is concerned that the allegations about ‘spot-fixing’ in the recent Test match against England at Lord’s will do enormous damage to the integrity of the sport and its playing stars - undermining supporters’ loyalty and the fundamentals of fair play. Sport plays an enormous role in developing national pride and identity in many countries. Sports stars are also role models for young people everywhere.

Transparency International UK believes that it is vital that an international sport like cricket, with millions of supporters worldwide, is not tainted by corruption. The effectiveness of the ICC and its members in protecting the integrity of cricket is therefore paramount.

Chandrashekhar Krishnan, Executive Director of Transparency International UK, said:

"It is really important that these corruption allegations are investigated quickly by the UK police the ICC and the Pakistan authorities. Anyone found guilty must be suitably punished. Corruption in sport must not be taken lightly.

"This distressing episode raises a question mark over the effectiveness of the ICC’s anti-corruption code. These are, after all, not the only allegations about corruption in cricket in recent years. The ICC should review urgently how the code is enforced and pay more attention to educating players and officials about how to resist and report corrupt practices."