The ICC Executive Board has backed the decision of the independent tribunal to impose bans on three Pakistani cricketers for spot-fixing while also endorsing the relocation of India-England Cricket World Cup match from Eden Gardens in Kolkata, in its meeting here.
An independent tribunal had banned Pakistani cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamir for ten, seven and five years respectively after ruling them guilty of spot-fixing during the Lord's Test against England in August last and the ICC Board said it was satisfied with the decision.
"ICC Executive Board acknowledged the good work of the ICC executive in successfully concluding the case against three Pakistan cricketers found guilty of spot-fixing under ICC Anti Corruption Code. ICC Executive Board confirmed it would not appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the sanctions imposed by the Independent Tribunal," the ICC said in a statement after its two-day meeting which concluded today.
The ICC Board expressed disappointment at the possibility of Butt working as an expert commentator during the World Cup starting on Saturday for a television channel and said it will look into whether this constitutes a breach against the terms of former Pakistan captain's suspended sentence of five years.
"The ICC Board having a zero tolerance attitude towards corruption, expressed disappointment at the decision by a minor Pakistan television channel, which has no relationship with the ICC, to employ the suspended Mr Salman Butt as a studio pundit during the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.
"We are not satisfied with this appointment and we have written to Tribunal chairman Michael Beloff QC to enquire whether this could be viewed as a breach against the terms of his suspended sentence," ICC chief executive officer Haroon Lorgat said in the statement.
"The Board also strengthened the ICC Anti Corruption Code by introducing penalties against players and support staff who breach the rules by carrying communication devices into the dressing room areas. The penalties, supported by Federation of International Cricketers' Association, will include fines," the statement said.
Regarding the stripping off India-England World Cup match from Eden Gardens due to unpreparedness of the stadium, the ICC Board said, "The Board was satisfied with all the efforts made to deliver a world class event and, in particular, it endorsed the decision to relocate the India match against England from Eden Gardens, Kolkata to Bengaluru."
"This decision was by no means easy but one the ICC had to make to ensure smooth planning ahead of the event. I am pleased that Eden Gardens is on track to host the remaining three matches in March," Lorgat said.
ICC Board endorses Pak trio's ban, relocation of tie from Eden
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