Members of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) are working in Sharjah and India this week, as part of the Unit's worldwide remit to counter security and corruption threats to international cricket in general, and the 2003 ICC World Cup in South Africa in particular.

The ACU is now a formal member of the Security Directorate for the 2003 World Cup, and is fulfilling a major role on behalf of all competing teams in the planning and co-ordination of anti-corruption and security protocols, leading up to the tournament.

"ACU investigators are in Sharjah for the triangular tournament, where they are carrying out an independent audit of new security measures introduced by the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series. These have been implemented as a direct response to stringent recommendations made by the ACU. The visit to India follows recent discussions in South Africa, where we worked closely with the Security Directorate." commented Lord Condon, director of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.

In India, investigators will be based in New Delhi, where their itinerary will include a series of private meetings with local security and law enforcement agencies. Ongoing intelligence gathering and identification of potential corruption threats to the 2003 World Cup will also be progressed.

Media contact:

Mark Harrison
ICC Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 207 266 7913/1818
Mobile: + 44 (0) 787 944 1891
Email: mark.harrison@icc-cricket.com