Spot-fixing: ICC supports Mervyn sentencing

Dubai, Feb 17 (IBNS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday said it supports the decision of the court that sentenced Essex cricketer Mervyn Westfield to jail for his conviction in a spot fixing scandal.

The 23-year-old cricketer pleaded guilty to accepting money to aid spot betting on a match in Sept 2009.

Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Haroon Lorgat on Friday said: "Although the ICC is not directly involved in this case, we have followed it closely. While the ICC takes no pleasure from anyone being sent to jail, it is a decision of the court which we support and I believe would act as a deterrent to anyone who is tempted to sully the good name of cricket."

He continued: "The ICC operates a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and will use everything within its power to ensure that any corrupt activity within the game is comprehensively investigated and, where possible, robustly prosecuted. We have always stated that we will follow every possible avenue to ensure the integrity of cricket is protected.

"In November 2010, the ICC Board required all Members to implement a domestic anti-corruption code which mirrors that of the ICC and the fact that this offence took place in a domestic competition is a timely reminder for us never to be complacent."

"In the context of domestic vigilance, the ICC acknowledges the commendable steps taken by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in setting up their domestic anti-corruption ACCESS Unit," Mr Lorgat concluded.

The ICC said it will make no further comment on this matter.