ICC to brief U-19 players on anti-doping, anti-corruption

Dubai:

As part of its drive to keep cricket free from any taint, ICC will brief players participating in this month's under-19 World Cup in New Zealand about its anti-doping and anti-corruption codes.

"The tournament is seen as an important opportunity for up-and-coming young players to increase their awareness and understanding of the sport's codes, including anti-doping and anti-corruption," the ICC said in a statement.

"As a sport, we take our responsibility to keep the game free of taints such as corruption and drugs very seriously so the earlier we can educate players on these issues the better," ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said.

Lorgat said though corruption is not much of an issue at the under-19 event, the governing body needs to be vigilant.

"We have noted a trend in recent years for those involved in illegal betting to 'groom' players from an early age. So it is especially important for us to be vigilant around this event," he said.

"Prior to the tournament, players will be given information about the ways in which people may seek to influence them, and about the penalties that can be imposed on those who become involved in inappropriate activities."

Players will also be briefed on the ICC anti-doping code.

"We hope that these talented young cricketers come away from this event with an appreciation of how difficult it is for drug cheats to get away with doping practices," he said.