Daily Times

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Friday announced the launch of an ‘Integrity App’ as part of its ongoing commitment to protect the spirit and integrity of the game. “The ICC Integrity App will give anyone in the game easy access to information they need to tackle issues relating to anti-corruption and anti-doping,” said a press release of the ICC. The app is designed with the needs of players, officials and team support staff at all levels of the game and across all formats. It ensures participants are equipped with the information required to ensure the game remains clean and their careers do not suffer due to lack of knowledge. The app will provide them with essential information and a secure platform to report any suspicious incidents or behaviour related to corruption or doping. The app was received well by players and officials after a soft launch at this year’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and will continue to be developed with more features, content and functionality such as videos and imagery to be added in the coming months and years.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said in a statement: “The ICC is committed to protecting the spirit of the game and this app will play a huge part in helping us in our objective. We must educate players, administrators and support staff on an ongoing basis and the app allows us to do that, driving awareness of the risks, supporting education and providing a simple mechanism for reporting concerns.”

ICC General Manager – Anti Corruption, Alex Marshall said the ICC was committed to the pursuit of a corruption free sport and this app would support that ambition. “Our focus is on education, prevention, disruption, investigation and prosecution and the app has a role to play in this,” he added. Former India captain and current India U19 coach Rahul Dravid said: “It’s fantastic to see that the ICC has come up with an Integrity App. It’s got a lot of information on anti-doping and anti-corruption. You can make a report about anything that you notice that is untoward. I think it’s terrific to have easy access to this information on your fingertips. I would encourage all players, and those involved in cricket, to download the app, to use it and to read up on all the information. It’s something that will keep the game clean, fair and something that we are all proud of.” England ODI and T20I captain Eoin Morgan said: “It is great that the new ICC Integrity App is now available to download. So help keep the game clean by getting it today for anti-doping and anti-corruption information and educate yourself.”

The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. Representing 104 members, the ICC governs and administrates the game and is responsible for the staging of major international tournaments including the ICC World Cup and Women’s World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Men’s and Women’s World T20. The ICC presides over the ICC Code of Conduct which sets the professional standards of discipline for international cricket, playing conditions, bowling reviews and other ICC regulations. The Laws of the game remain under the auspices of the MCC.

Published in Daily Times, June 30^th 2018.