Spot-fixing ban to be discussed at ICC Board meeting on Feb 15

Dubai, Feb 13 (PTI) The ban imposed on three Pakistanicricketers for spot-fixing and final evaluation on thereadiness of the three host nations for the Cricket World Cupwill be on the top of agenda when the ICC Executive Boardmeets here on February 15-16.

The ICC Executive Board will be briefed on the ban handedon Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamir after anindependent anti-doping tribunal found them guilty ofspot-fixing during the fourth Test against England at Lord''slast August.

Butt, Asif and Aamir were banned for ten, seven and fiveyears respectively.

"Following regular briefings, the ICC Executive Boardwill receive a final report on the successful prosecution ofthree Pakistan Cricketers -- Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir andMohammad Asif -- in Doha, Qatar on spot fixing charges underthe ICC Anti Corruption Code," an ICC statement said.

"I am sure the Board will appreciate closure of thismatter and acknowledge the good work performed by the ICClegal team and the ICC Anti Corruption and Security Unit indealing with this complex issue," ICC Chief Executive HaroonLorgat said in the statement.

"This has been a testing time for many of us and I ampleased that we were decisive and able to receive theindependent Tribunal''s verdict and sanction before the ICCCricket World Cup starts," Lorgat said.

"At a later stage we will follow up with a detailedreview and look to enhance our Anti Corruption Code and ourprotocols and procedures following this experience. The Boardwill also receive an update from the Pakistan Task Team," hesaid.

The readiness of the three host nations -- Bangladesh,India and Sri Lanka -- for the February 19-April 2 World Cupwill also be discussed in the two-day meeting in the first offour scheduled ICC meetings this year.

"With the Opening Ceremony in Dhaka only 48 hours afterthe ICC Board meeting there will be a final report on thereadiness of the three host nations -- Bangladesh, India andSri Lanka -- to stage the ICC''s flagship event which willbegin on 19 February in Dhaka and culminate with the final inMumbai on 2 April," the ICC said.

Other important issues the Board will consider includethe strategy for the next five years (2011-15) following ajoint work session on February 14 with members of ICC ChiefExecutives'' Committee and recommendation of ICC Governance andReview committee on the qualification or otherwise of Members''participation in the 10-team World Cup in 2015.

"The Strategic Plan is, of course, essential to steer theICC during the next five years and I am grateful that thedirectors and CEC members will have spent so much time to helpcraft the strategy for world cricket," Lorgat said.