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.

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.