The Pakistan Task Team (PTT), formed by the International
Cricket Council (ICC), met by teleconference for the first time on Saturday
since the recent ICC Board gave PCB 30 days to put its house in order on Oct.
13.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, who attended the
teleconference, said that the task force was satisfied by the progress made by
the PCB so far.
"We are encouraged by the excellent progress
reported and also the willingness of the Pakistan Cricket Board to embrace the
ICC recommendations," he said in a statement.
"However, we can never be complacent or distracted
in our determination to tackle corruption
"Recognizing that integrity is fundamental, the
Board was unanimous and showed absolutely no compromise in taking steps to
ensure the public retains confidence in the game," he added.
At the teleconference, ICC Director Giles Clarke, as chairman
of the PTT, was joined by members of the task team as well as PCB chairman Ijaz
Butt and the PCB Senior General Manager Cricket Operations (International),
Subhan Ahmed.
The task force sought a progress report from the PCB on
an eight-point initiative aimed at raising awareness of anti-corruption issues
and making reforms necessary to restore confidence in the administration of the
game in Pakistan.
"The PTT received an update on the agreed measures
that the PCB has already started to introduce," said a statement issued by
the ICC.
Lorgat said that the ICC has issued a broad advisory to
each of its member about the need to root out corruption from cricket.
"This advisory requests all international players
and support personnel to sign a once-off declaration before participating in
the next FTP match and/or ICC event.
"Such declaration is intended to serve as an
important reminder of the spirit in which the game is meant to be played, the
importance of its integrity and their roles and responsibilities in this regard,"
he said.
The task team meeting reminded the PCB of its agreement
to encourage all its players to come forward and disclose to the
Anti-Corruption and Safety Unit (ACSU) any relevant information, which will be
treated as strictly confidential.
Lorgat said: "Every single player who cares about
the game should step forward and help us to eradicate corruption from the game.
I can assure that such disclosures will be treated in strict confidence."
Clarke, the man at the helm of the ICC campaign to clean up cricket in
Pakistan, sought all out support for the PCB.
"The task team urged everyone to support the PCB to
reform its cricket and governance models and the important role Ijaz Butt has
to play in this regard.
"An independent board would help it to regain its
glory and ensure long-term success," he stressed.
Ijaz Butt assured the task force that the PCB was ready
to take tough decisions.
"We are grateful to the ICC for its advice and
support in these challenging times. Rest assured that Pakistan cricket has no
tolerance for any players or officials who are found to be corrupt and will
make the tough decisions necessary." The teleconference was also attended
by Peter Chingoka (ICC Director), David Richardson (ICC General Manager -
Cricket), Ranjan Madugalle (ICC Chief Match referee), Mike Brearley and Ramiz
Raja.
