Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Sri Lankan legal expert Sumathi Dharmawardena as the new independent chair of its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Dharmawardena will assume the role on November 1, 2024, succeeding Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who has held the position for 14 years.Dharmawardena brings a wealth of experience in legal and anti-corruption matters to the ACU. He has served as the additional solicitor general at the Attorney General's Department of Sri Lanka, where he represented the government and its ministry of sport in various legal proceedings.Additionally, Dharmawardena has collaborated with Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, investigating sports corruption cases and overseeing prosecutions under the prevention of offenses relating to the Sports Act.Dharmawardena's appointment comes at a crucial time for the ICC, as it continues to strengthen its efforts to combat corruption in cricket. The ACU plays a vital role in investigating and prosecuting cases of match-fixing, illegal betting, and other forms of corruption within the sport.Alex Marshall, the current head of the ACU, will also step down from his position at the end of November after seven years of service. The ICC has expressed its gratitude to both Flanagan and Marshall for their contributions to the fight against corruption in cricket.Dharmawardena's appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed vigor to the ACU's operations. His expertise in legal matters and his experience in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases will be invaluable in ensuring the integrity of the sport.

Sri Lankan Spinner Praveen Jayawickrama Banned for One Year for Anti-Corruption BreachThe International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama for breaching the anti-corruption code. The ban, which was announced on August 18, 2023, includes a six-month suspension.Jayawickrama admitted to obstructing an investigation by the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). The charges relate to both international cricket and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).The 24-year-old made his international debut in 2021 and has represented Sri Lanka in five Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is. He last played for the national team in a T20I series against Australia in 2022.In the LPL, Jayawickrama played for the Jaffna Kings in 2021 and the Dambulla Sixers in 2024. He took two wickets in his only appearance for the Kings in 2021.The ICC's investigation into Jayawickrama's conduct began in August 2022. The specific details of the allegations against him have not been made public.Jayawickrama has accepted the ban and has expressed remorse for his actions. He has also pledged to cooperate fully with the ICC's ongoing investigation.The ICC's anti-corruption code is designed to protect the integrity of the sport. It prohibits players from engaging in any form of corruption, including match-fixing, spot-fixing, and betting on matches.The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and has taken a number of steps to strengthen its anti-corruption measures in recent years. These measures include increased education and awareness programs for players and officials, as well as the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Corruption Unit.

Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the esteemed former Home Office chief inspector of constabulary for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has announced his retirement as the independent chair of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) at the end of October. Flanagan's departure follows the recent retirement announcement of ACU head Alex Marshall.Flanagan's appointment in 2010 marked a significant chapter in the ACU's history. He succeeded Lord Paul Condon, who had established the unit in 2000 to combat the growing threat of match-fixing. Under Condon's leadership, the ACU imposed life bans on three international captains: Mohammad Azharuddin, Saleem Malik, and Hansie Cronje.As Flanagan approached the end of his tenure, he echoed Condon's concerns about the potential risks posed by T20 cricket, particularly domestic franchise leagues. In 2013, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was rocked by a corruption scandal, prompting Flanagan to urge cricket boards to strengthen anti-corruption laws to deter corrupt practices in domestic T20 leagues.Flanagan's retirement comes at a time when the ICC is actively seeking a replacement. The organization aims to present its recommendation for the next ACU chair during its quarterly round of meetings in October.

Brydon Carse, the Durham and England fast bowler, has been handed a three-month ban after an anti-corruption investigation by the newly formed Cricket Regulator. The ban, which was accepted by Carse, stems from 303 bets placed on various cricket matches between 2017 and 2019.Carse, who has represented England in 17 limited-overs internationals, did not bet on games he was playing in. However, according to a report in the Telegraph, he did place money on Durham games.The ECB, in a statement, said: "We take these matters extremely seriously and do not condone any form of anti-corruption breach in cricket."The statement continued: "We support the Cricket Regulator's decision and their consideration of the mitigating factors in Brydon's case. He has co-operated and shown remorse for his actions. We are satisfied that Brydon has shown growth in the five years since this breach and has demonstrated a greater understanding of his responsibilities.""We are hopeful that his case can serve as an educational example for other cricketers."Carse, 28, was called up to England's squad for the 50-over World Cup in India last year and was given a two-year deal in the ECB's last round of central contracts.Although he has yet to be involved in the Test set-up, he was part of the group of seam bowlers namechecked by Rob Key last year as central to England's planning across formats, with the retirements of James Anderson and Stuart Broad set to create greater opportunities in red-ball cricket.Dave Lewis, the Cricket Regulator's interim director, said: "The Cricket Regulator takes any breach of integrity or misconduct rules seriously and I would encourage any participant, from within the professional game, who has gambled on cricket to come forward and not wait to be discovered.""The Cricket Regulator understands the many challenges participants can face and will handle cases fairly, with understanding and support for anyone who wishes to come forward. We also encourage any participant struggling with any welfare concerns to seek assistance from the PCA or other trusted professional source."