ICC warns against new methods of corrupt approaches

With the world under lockdown due to a pandemic, one of the modes of players connecting with their fans has been through various social media platforms. Now, these platforms have been cited to have a ‘darker side’, according to the ICC’s anti corruption unit.

The ICC in a letter to the national boards has issued a warning amid concerns of players being approached by corruptors through social media platforms in the wake of covid-19 lockdowns. The letter, accessed by Fame Dubai, states – ‘With most of the world experiencing lockdowns and restrictions, it has left many with time on their hands, some of which can be filled on social media. The creativity some have shown has been remarkable but there is a darker side,” states the letter before making a note of the approaches made during the lockdown. “We have seen evidence that corruptors are using their time to contact players through social media, particularly Instagram, Whatsapp and Facebook.”

Fame Dubai understands that two of those players who were approached through social media belonged to the USA’s men’s team. One of the players was approached offering kit sponsorship by an individual already on the ICC Anti Corruption Unit radar while the details about the second approach are still unknown.

This isn’t the first time USA players have been targets of individuals with malicious intent. Fame Dubai learns that two of USA’s national team players were approached right before the Global T2O Canada league draft last year.

The players got calls from phony individuals masquerading as team representatives asking to comply with their ‘demands’ in lieu of getting picked in the draft to play the franchise tournament. One of those players was eventually picked in the draft but withdrew from the tournament after failing to get the No Objection Certificate from USA.