DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has directed all member countries to introduce an anti-corruption code in their domestic leagues by April in the wake of spot-fixing allegations against the Pakistan cricketers. Pakistan batsman Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were suspended under the ICC anti-corruption code in September, after allegations of spot-fixing. Spot-fixing is the practice whereby a specific part of a game is fixed in order that gamblers may profit. This can be something as minor as the timing of a no ball or a wide delivery in cricket. The ICC has written to all members to review their existing processes and procedures against corruption threats and where necessary introduce new measures to stamp out corruption, chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement. The governing body of the sport also commended the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in implementing the ICC's directives. “In helping the PCB, the ICC has prepared a template domestic anti-corruption code, which incorporates in a consistent manner the same principles, offences procedures and sanctions as those set out in the ICC anti-corruption code,” Lorgat said. “It would be of great benefit to all stakeholders within the game for all ICC members to adopt a domestic anti-corruption code and a template will immediately be sent to all full members.” WI plans twin-spin attack In Sri Lanka,, left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn is expected to return to the West Indies lineup and form a dual spin attack with off-spinner Shane Shillingford when the second Test against Sri Lanka begins in Colombo Tuesday. Benn missed the drawn first Test in Galle because he was serving a ban for bringing the game into disrepute during the visitors' last series against South Africa, while Shillingford is under a cloud after his action was reported to the International Cricket Council following the match. West Indies coach Ottis Gibson, however, stood by his two controversial bowlers and indicated the twin spin approach could provide the future direction for the side. “The inclusion of Shillingford and Benn is a sign of changing times in West Indies cricket,” said Gibson. “Most people in the world expect Caribbean cricket to have four fast bowlers because that's what our success as a nation was built on. “The reality though is now in the Caribbean and around the world the wickets are a lot different to the way they used to be.” “The Sri Lanka tour is the beginning of a stabilization process in West Indies cricket after almost 15 years of decline,” said Gibson. The match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, a 2011 World Cup venue, although renovations are still incomplete.
