Anti-corruption emphasised in PCB's revised code of conduct

The Pakistan players will sign a revised code of conduct with a strong emphasis on anti-corruption ahead of the upcoming tour to UAE, team manager Intikhab Alam has said. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revised its standard touring code following harsh criticism from the ICC over the spot-fixing controversy and the board's handling of the issue.

"There are one or two things that are new in this code of conduct for touring," Intikhab told ESPNcricinfo. "We have tightened up on indiscipline and have reiterated that there will be zero tolerance for it. There are a couple of new points about corruption, being wary of agents and a few other things."

Taking note of the continuing decline in Pakistan's cricket governance in the wake of the spot-fixing controversy, the ICC had decided to closely monitor the running of the game in the country. The international body also set an ultimatum to the PCB to implement a series of effective anti-corruption measures within 30 days, starting October 13. The revised code of conduct is seen as one of those measures.

"The new code of conduct is the first step towards fulfilling the ICC's recommendations," Intikhab told AFP. "We hope the new code will help us in dealing with the disciplinary and corruption problems."

The Pakistan team is currently undergoing a training camp in Lahore ahead of the UAE tour, and Intikhab said the players attended a 90-minute briefing about a number of issues that have dogged the side in recent times. "They were briefed about corruption in the game, doping and discipline and I hope the players will be responsible enough to show good conduct during the tour and in home matches."