The ICC is considering stricter rules for franchise cricket amid growing concerns over betting and match-fixing, according to reports at its annual general meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland. The governing body is reviewing measures to strengthen anti-corruption systems in domestic leagues.
The ICC is also discussing changes to the approval process for new franchise tournaments. Authorities want stricter scrutiny before new leagues are allowed to operate, especially in non-full member countries, as the governing body seeks to protect the integrity of the game and minimize corruption risks.
ICC planning strict rules to tackle corruption in franchise cricket
The ICC is discussing stronger measures to tackle betting and match-fixing in franchise cricket during its annual general meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland. The governing body believes that the newly launched T20 league is more vulnerable to corruption and wants to strengthen anti-corruption measures.
The ICC’s integrity unit has found growing evidence that corrupt groups are targeting players and leagues in various countries, BBC Sport reports. The ICC is planning to form a working group to improve the regulation of franchise cricket and strengthen anti-corruption efforts, the report said.
The report states:
“In a document seen by BBC Sport, the ICC’s integrity unit said there was ‘increasing evidence’ that corrupt people were ‘infiltrating the league and players across a number of different member regions’.”
“The ICC is now planning to establish a working group that will seek to harmonize franchise cricket within the international calendar and examine how corruption can be tackled more effectively. As part of steps taken to reduce concerns, the ICC Executive Committee will discuss a number of broad strategies during its ongoing Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Edinburgh.”
ICC considering strict approval process for new T20 leagues
According to the report, ICC also wants to tighten the approval process for new domestic franchise leagues. Authorities believe the current rules make it too easy for non-full member countries to start competitions, creating opportunities for illegal betting and match-fixing.
Under the current rules, a non-full member country can organize a franchise league if it signs more than four players from full-member countries who have represented their countries within the last 24 months. The ICC is now considering stricter requirements before sanctioning future tournaments.
The governing body also plans to set up a dedicated group to better align franchise leagues with the international calendar while strengthening oversight and anti-corruption measures in domestic cricket.
Cricket Canada suspension highlights ICC concerns
The ICC recently suspended Cricket Canada for serious breach of its membership obligations. According to reports, match manipulation was one of the major concerns behind the decision, although this was not mentioned in the ICC’s public statement.
Cricket USA was also suspended last year, while France and Italy are under investigation over governance issues. Despite the suspension, Canada’s national teams will continue to compete in ICC competitions.
The ICC will provide funding through a controlled system for approved national team programs, while a Normalization Committee monitors Cricket Canada’s progress towards meeting reinstatement conditions.
Meanwhile, Mauritius is set to become the new ICC member after fulfilling all the necessary criteria. Colombia, Poland, Latvia, Burundi and Burkina Faso did not meet the membership requirements.
In another major development, IPL matches are likely to be held in Australia as BCCI and Cricket Australia are discussing a landmark proposal.