T20 Global League hosts a talk by ICC Anti-Corruption Chief

Cricket South Africa’s new venture, the T20 Global League, is set to begin its journey this year. The gala, which is slated to kick off in the month of November 2017, has set a strong precedent regarding Anti-Corruption in its two-day workshop, held in Dubai on Saturday (29th July 2017). The event witnessed a talk by guest speaker and International Cricket Council (ICC)’s Anti-Corruption Unit head, Sir Ronnie Flanagan.

Since the fixing scam in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013 was unearthed, there has been a synergy all over the globe to revamp the credibility associated with T20 cricket. The T20 Global League started off its campaign on Saturday and all the owners of the eight participating franchises were in attendance. Flanagan stressed primarily on the need to maintain and uphold the sanctity of the gentleman’s game.

Flanagan seeks to educate franchise owners and players

Sir Flanagan richly lauded the effort made by Cricket South Africa to organise the league and said, “I was delighted to be here with the owners and the others involved in the creation of this new T20 Global League. I want it to be a wonderful success and I’m certain it will be a wonderful success.”

Further, he sought to impart knowledge about the common evil of unwarranted corruption within the game. Speaking about the same, he elaborated, “But one of the biggest dangers that could prevent it from being a success would be corruption creeping in and therefore I think it’s very important that we take steps at this stage to make sure that the wolf of corruption is kept outside the door of this wonderful tournament.”

Flanagan also laid emphasis on the fact that keeping cricket clean is a responsibility that needs to be undertaken by all involved in the game, and not just any one particular individual. “The most important message that I wanted to deliver is that anti-corruption is a matter for us all. If we expect integrity on the field of play, we must have it at all levels of governance of the game. I think that’s the most important thing,” said the ICC Anti-Corruption Chief.

He also appreciated CSA’s vision and intent against corruption and added, “So I would like to commend Cricket South Africa for taking these steps and for inviting me here at such an early stage so we can set the tone and work together in partnership to make sure we keep this tournament away from corruption. I am really encouraged that the owners are looking at this so early.”