ICC warms up to the idea of lie-detector test

Next time a cricketer is asked to undergo a polygraph test, don’t think that he would be sitting on the chair of Sacch Ka Saamna (desi version of Moment of Truth) programme to spill the beans of his failed friendship with a star cricketer. It could be for deeper detection of his possible ‘sinister’ activities. The Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) proposal for a lie-detector test for players suspected of involvement in match-fixing has found an interested party in its parent organisation — the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Speaking to DNA on Thursday, Haroon Lorgat, the ICC’s chief executive officer, has said the world body is open to that suggestion. “The ICC always welcomes any practical suggestion that can eliminate corruption from the game. We’ll examine the idea,” Lorgat, currently holidaying in South Africa, said.

On Wednesday, MCC’s World Cricket Committee consisting of legends like Michael Atherton, Mike Brearley, Alec Stewart, Mike Gatting, Geoff Boycott among others met in Perth and came up with an out-of-the-box idea of a lie detector test for match-fixing suspects.

The author of the idea, Steve Waugh said, “The greatest issue facing the game right now is match-fixing. How can we make players more accountable for their actions? Personally, I think if you’ve done nothing wrong, why wouldn’t you want to take a lie-detector test? You can’t make it compulsory but like I said, if you’ve got nothing to hide, why wouldn’t you take it? If we sit back and don’t do anything about corruption, it’s going to get worse.”

The former Australia skipper has been asked to lead a panel to explore ways to end match-fixing in the game.

Lorgat said, “I was not at the Perth meeting. I will find out the details. We also need to look at the legalities involved in the matter. But we will engage all stakeholders of the ICC — the members, the players and our own Anti-Corruptions and Security Unit.” ICC’s general manager Dave Richardson was present at the meeting. Lorgat had previously hinted that the ICC might utilise under-cover agents serenading as bookies to identify the black sheep in the game.

Among others in the MCC cricket committee are India’s Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, besides former players like Andy Flower, Martin Crowe, Barry Richards, Courtney Walsh and Shaun Pollock.

“The committee has recommended that the Laws of Cricket be amended specifically to forbid the corruption or attempted corruption of any aspect of a match,” the MCC said in a statement. However, it felt more deliberation is needed to make a recommendation to the ICC. Pollock agreed that the proposal has to be thought through. “I’ve heard of the suggestion. I think the player needs to agree,” Pollock, here at Centurion as a commentator, said.

Among other suggestions of the panel were recommending legalisation of betting in India, non-selection of tainted players; the provision of integrity officers; and the inclusion of anti-corruption clauses in all professional playing contracts in all countries.
(With agency inputs)