Odumbe to face preliminary hearing

The preliminary hearing into allegations against Kenyan cricketer Maurice Odumbe will take place in Nairobi on Wednesday (19 May), the ICC announced today.

Odumbe, 34, faces a charge under the ICC's Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials of engaging in conduct which could bring the game into disrepute.

In particular, it is alleged that Odumbe had inappropriate conduct with a known bookmaker, and received money, benefit or reward from that bookmaker.

The preliminary hearing, which will be presided over by former Zimbabwean Supreme Court judge Justice Ahmed Ebrahim, will deal with any preliminary points raised by Odumbe's lawyers and will set a process and timetable in place for a more substantive hearing.

Whilst the preliminary hearing is closed to media, the ICC will issue a statement detailing the outcome and determination by Justice Ebrahim.

There will be no formal media conference at the conclusion of the hearing.

The preliminary hearing follows an investigation by the ICC's Anti Corruption and Security Unit and a recommendation by the ICC's Code of Conduct Commission Chairman, the Hon. Michael Beloff, QC which was accepted by the ICC Executive Board in New Zealand in March.

Under the ICC's Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, players can face penalties ranging from a suspension for a minimum of two years up to a life ban from the game depending on the nature of the charge.

Justice Ahmed Ebrahim was appointed by the Kenya Cricket Association and the ICC to preside over the hearing.

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