Ultimately it is a question of ethics

The problem was so gigantic it was on the cards that even the ICC would not be in a position to tackle it. Moreover the game's governing body had acquired labels like `toothless' for their inaction on various problems confronting the game over the years. Faced then with the gravest crisis in 123 years of the international game, it was almost taken for granted that the ICC would not be able to find a proper solution to the match fixing scandal. It was then a truly herculean task that the administrators faced when they sat down at Lord's for the emergency meeting held on May 2 and 3.

Under the circumstances, it must be said that the ICC have done what they could. Decisions taken include having all international players, referees, officials, umpires and administrators to sign a declaration stating whether they have or have not been approached to become involved in cricket corruption of any kind, the establishment (within two months) of a Corruption Investigation Authority to fully investigate and explore the extent to which corrupt practices have entered the sport, the possibility of stringest penalties, including a life ban, on those found guilty of match fixing, getting all countries to co-operate to the extent required and then imposing a suspension from the game if they do not, banning cricketers from betting on the game. Some of these decisions may be `old hat', some new. But it is the strong, businesslike tone that has stood out. The stage for this was set by Lord MacLaurin, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board who made it clear in his opening remarks that the ICC should show the way forward. ``If we do not, people will be asking if we are fit to lead.''

With this backdrop, the ICC, throughout the two day meeting, seemed determined to lead the game out of the cesspool of corruption. At last, the governing body of the game had come to terms with the fact that match fixing was not only prevalent but had also already acquired a cancerous growth. And having accepted this stark fact, they also reckoned it was time for them to act. Lord MacLaurin's statement made the administrators all the more firm in their determination to eradicate any form of corruption from the sport in future. But there is no doubt that the ICC were also frustrated at the lack of evidence concerning match fixing, not surprising considering the sensitivity of the issue. But then that has remained a mysterious factor ever since the scam surfaced.

Given the circumstances, the ICC has done what it could. But each country too has a role to play. Official inquiries will shortly begin in South Africa and such a process is already underway in India where the Government has ordered a CBI inquiry. The Qayyum report from Pakistan, which was to have been tabled at the meeting will now be available to the ICC at its next meeting in June. Other countries will also have to be vigilant for the crisis has spread all over the cricketing world.

Ultimately one supposes that even the ICC can only do so much and no more. They can display a sense of purpose, they can show that they mean business, they can announce stringest measures. But over and above everything else, one supposes in the ultimate analysis, it all boils down to ethics and the integrity of those involved with the game. As the ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya put it, ``Our top priority is to restore the good name of cricket. Our aim has been the complete eradication of the taint of corruption.'' The meeting saw the ICC take firm decisions. Now comes the tough part - getting to implement them.