Condon reveals extent of corruption in cricket

The findings of the ICC Anti Corruption Unit's report were expected to be disturbing; they are worse than expected. The "integrity of the game" has been "justifiably undermined" the report finds, while painting a grim picture of widespread corruption in world cricket.

The report by Sir Paul Condon's unit reveals English domestic cricket as the birthplace of the current malaise. It also uncovers allegations of murder, organised crime and intimidation. It makes recommendations for the improvement of the long-term health of the game.

"This report will make disturbing reading for all those who love and follow the game of cricket," Condon begins. "It describes at least 20 years of corruption, linked to betting on international cricket matches. Corrupt practices and deliberate under-performance have permeated all aspects of the game."

Condon tells of a "climate of silence, apathy, ignorance and sometimes fear", where "allegations in the public domain were only the tip of the iceberg". He reveals that he has "spoken to people who have been threatened, and others who have alleged a murder and a kidnapping linked to cricket corruption."

Although short of detail or names (mainly due to the ongoing nature of the investigations and possible libel problems) the report shows the progress that the Unit has made. There is clearly more to come, but any thoughts that Condon would preside over a whitewash can be forgotten: his own employers, the ICC, come in for much criticism and the methodical investigative skills of the former policeman are much in evidence.

Sir Paul Condon admits to widespread non-compliance with the operation, specifically the Self Declaration Forms, and admits that they were "not worth the logistical effort" involved, though they did secure 21 positive responses admitting some knowledge of corruption.

Perhaps surprisingly, Condon points to English domestic cricket in the 1970s as the birthplace of match-fixing in cricket. In a passage which brings the Topley allegations to mind (ex-Essex seamer Don Topley claimed that Essex and Lancashire came to an arrangement when one team had Championship aspirations and the other Sunday League), Condon describes how the seeds of the current problem were sown.

Although money was not the motivation, "mutual interest" was, Condon concludes. "If a match was of vital importance to one team and not to the other, then an accommodation would be reached between the teams as to who would win. Similar arrangements would be made to secure bowling and batting points, if applicable," Condon says. The presence of overseas players led to the spread of such practises. "As a result, in a number of matches the ethic of winning or losing on merit was replaced by a pragmatic arrangement to divide the points and/or agree in advance who would win."

Although there are only unsubstantiated reports of betting playing a role at this stage, there is, Condon argues, evidence to suggest that this practise grew dramatically in subsequent years, particularly due to the increased amount of televised one-day cricket.

Condon describes the Indian betting industry in recent times as the "engine room which has powered and driven cricket corruption."

Condon describes allegations of performance-enhancing drug taking, and the use of cricket equipment to help transport drugs. At this stage these allegations "cannot be substantiated," Condon says.

Condon points to the high number of "meaningless" one-day Internationals, the relatively low pay of cricketers and "threats to them and their families" as key reasons behind the easy growth of corruption. But he does not excuse the guilty: "relatively well-paid players have been drawn into corruption and relatively poor ones have resisted. Greed and opportunity are the main factors which are common in all the cases of corruption," he concludes.

However, Condon concedes that fear of violence was a major weapon, and reports that "a major criminal had access to an individual team and wielded undue influence over team selection and performance. It is also alleged that a murder in South Africa was a contract killing as a result of a dispute between rival corruptors from other countries."

The report highlights some fundamental flaws in the structure of the ICC. "International cricket is at a critical point of development. If the ICC continues as a loose and fragile alliance it is unlikely to succeed as a governing body," Condon warns.

He refers to "individuals involved past and present in the administration of cricket" and finds that "current corporate governance arrangements within cricket are inadequate for the task."

The report finds "a compelling case ..... that the ICC and the individual cricket boards could and should have done more to deal with the problem of corruption at an earlier stage."

Condon blames limited and "naive" staff within the ICC, the problem of investigating across borders where there may be no jurisdiction and boards that have "procrastinated and missed opportunities to deal with the problem."

"In some cases the perception is given that allegedly corrupt players have been tolerated because of their importance to national sides. This ambivalence to facing up to the challenge of corruption remains a real threat to the integrity of the effort to clean up the game," he says.

Condon describes allegations of recent malpractice, including the ICC knockout tournament in Nairobi in October 2000, and the recent Pakistan tour to New Zealand. But he states: "I believe the blatant cases and excesses of cricket corruption have been stopped."

The report outlines the work of the Unit over the next 12 months. It involves further investigations into the link between corruption in cricket and organised crime; a closer look at some suspect matches - particularly the 1999 World Cup game between Pakistan and Bangladesh (that Bangladesh won against all the odds), and further interviews with, among others, many of those named by the notorious bookmaker, Gupta.

However Condon does sound some positive notes for the future. "I am confident that recent measures, including the creation and work of the ACU, have stopped much of this corrupt activity," he states before issuing another warning to those responsible that the net is tightening around them: "players, former players, umpires and others within cricket are not yet public knowledge and will be investigated during the next phase of work of the ACU."

Interestingly, Condon recommends a thorough auditing process within the ICC to "avoid the perception or reality of misappropriation." He concludes that: "as in comparative business organisations, the Chief Executive and the Executive Board of the ICC should be held accountable for their performance in combating malpractice."

Condon also reaffirms his commitment to the work of the ACU until the end of the 2003 World Cup.

Condon's recommendations involve training to increase awareness of all involved in the future of cricket and "should be reinforced and supported by posters and other literature."

This is a weak area in the report. If he believes there is a clear link between match-fixing and organised crime, how does he imagine that posters will help? Security Managers (employed by the ICC or national boards and possibly from a police background) are a stronger suggestion. In many ways this looks much like a spy within the dressing room, but if that's what it takes, one hopes the boards will support the recommendation.

Condon believes that access to the players should be restricted, and rather bizarrely that the use of mobile phones should be avoided during matches. He also warns against the use of neutral venues where "the relaxed carnival atmosphere and the blurred regimes for payments and gifts provide an ideal venue for improper approaches."

He also recommends that the contracts of umpires and players are consistent with those from their peers in other countries.