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ICC threatens life ban for match-fixers

The International Cricket Council, following its two-day emergency meeting, on Wednesday announced that anyone found guilty of match-fixing will be banned for life.

ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya, declaring that cricket's "image will not be allowed to suffer" insisted there is "no place for corruption" within the game.

He said: "It has been decided that there will be stringent penalties, which may even be a life ban, if anyone is found guilty of misbehaviour.

"All the countries will co-operate but in case of any country not cooperating to the extent that is required they could face suspension from cricket.

"All international players, managers, umpires, match officials, administrators and employees will now be required to give a declaration stating whether he has or has not been approached in getting involved in corruption.

"These declarations will be obtained on a top priority basis."

The president added: "The board deliberated on the issues and there was total unanimity in arriving at our decision. Our deliberations were directed towards the top priority of the ICC which is not to allow cricket to be affected by any unacceptable behaviour.

"The board of directors are committed to the eradication of corruption from the game of cricket."

"An investigating party, which will be totally independent and will be known as the Corruption Investigating Party, will be set up immediately. It will be headed by a very senior experienced person having a legal background or having the experience in investigations, like a QC or of that rank," Dalmiya said.

"And it will be done in two months. This appointment will be in consultation with the chairman of the ICC Code of Conduct Commission, Lord Griffiths, and once it's been set up it will work independently and will directly report to the chairman of commission.

"This will be totally resourced by ICC. The terms of reference will also be drawn in consultation with Lord Griffiths. It has also been decided that a stringent registration system will be adopted in order that all players understand the type of behaviour which is unacceptable.

"The main test was that this game clears its name. This game's image will not be allowed to suffer for any unacceptable behaviour from any quarters.

"There is no place for corruption and considering all seriousness of the present situation it has been further resolved that the ICC will not hesitate to take any measure which it will consider is going to affect the game adversely."