Lahore, Oct. 18: Pakistan Cricket Board said on Monday that it had drawn up a new players’ code of conduct outlining stricter rules on corruption following sharp criticism from the sport’s governing body.
Pakistani cricket has been rocked by allegations of spot-fixing during the national team’s recent tour of England. The team’s tour of Australia in March was also marred by disciplinary problems and match-fixing allegations.
The International Cricket Council last Wednesday told the PCB it must “uphold a zero tolerance attitude to corruption in sport” and ensure players’ integrity. It said Pakistan must prove progress is being made within 30 days, or risk sanctions.
Team manager Intikhab Alam said the new code of conduct was a first step.
“The new code of conduct is the first step towards fulfilling the ICC’s recommendations,” Alam said. “We hope the new code will help us in dealing with the disciplinary and corruption problems.”
He revealed few details of the new code, but said it involved stricter rules of behaviour and that players would be barred from addressing media directly.
Alam said players had also been briefed about their responsibilities in a 90-minute lecture at a training camp in the eastern city of Lahore.
“They were briefed about corruption in the game, doping and discipline and I hope the players will be responsible enough to show good conduct during the tour and in home matches,” said Alam.