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Summary Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal has criticized ICC for failing to prevent corruption.
Iqbals comments came after two Pakistan players, former captain Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif, were found guilty of conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt funds in a British court on Tuesday.A third, 19-year-old Mohammad Amir, had earlier pleaded guilty to the same charges, which relate to spot-fixing in a Test match against England at the home of cricket, Lords in London, in August 2010. The trio could now face prison terms, and will be sentenced on Wednesday.Pakistan cricketers found guilty of corruptionIqbal, 68, told an international news channel the International Cricket Council (ICC) had not taken sufficient action to tackle corruption within the game.Cricketers found guilty of cheating I personally hold the ICC responsible for not taking proper care of its product, said Iqbal, who represented Pakistan in 58 Tests between 1964 and 1980.Evidence of the spot-fixing plot was discovered by an undercover journalist for the now defunct British newspaper the News of the World. Iqbal condemned the ICC for failing to act on similar accusations in the past and for not unearthing corruption themselves. I personally hold the ICC responsible for not taking proper care of its productThe ICC released a statement after the verdict stating that the outcome was consistent with the findings of its anti-corruption unit earlier this year, which dished out suspensions to the trio of between five to seven years.Iqbal called for the ICC to change its approach to corruption, suggesting the organization should implement more stringent rules for agents and other outside sources involved with players.In addition to agents, Iqbal said players sponsors should be checked in order to make sure payments being received are legitimate.Iqbal was not surprised to see the three players found guilty, saying corruption is always possible in an age where sport is such a lucrative business.Former Test captain Shahid Afridi told local media he was saddened by the news, which he said harmed the reputation of the country and Pakistani cricket, but added, this is an example for future players.
