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Fixing fears: ICC looks to use data extraction tech to tap players’ mobiles

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Feb 11, 2017 08:49 PM IST

If the International Cricket Committee’s (ICC’s) legal team gives the nod, the data in the players’ phones can be accessed by the anti-corruption officials to check match fixing.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) proposes to take advantage of ‘cell phone data extraction technology’ to check corruption in the game. If the ICC’s legal team gives its nod to the proposal, the data in the players’ phones can be accessed by the ICC anti-corruption officials.

The Chief Executives Committee has authorised the International Cricket Council (ICC) management to initiate the process of developing an amendment to the anti-corruption code to permit the use of cell phone data extraction equipment.(ICC)
The Chief Executives Committee has authorised the International Cricket Council (ICC) management to initiate the process of developing an amendment to the anti-corruption code to permit the use of cell phone data extraction equipment.(ICC)

The Chief Executives Committee has authorised the ICC management to initiate the process of developing an amendment to the anti-corruption code to permit the use of cell phone data extraction equipment. The issue was discussed at the ICC meeting in Dubai last week.

Read more | Mohammad Irfan and two others questioned in Pakistan Super League spot-fixing row

The world body will also study the technology and liaise with all interested parties before reverting to the ICC Board with a full proposal for consideration later this year.

Corruption in the game has been a huge challenge for the administrators.

Instances of corruption

After the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, South Africa’s domestic T20 league in 2016 banned four players, including former Test wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile, for 12 years.

In the latest episode, the Pakistan Cricket Board provisionally suspended Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, playing in its T20 Super League, two days ago under its anti-corruption code.

Read more | Mushfiqur Rahim, plucky Mehedi Hasan keep Bangladesh cricket team alive vs India

Currently, players are not allowed to use mobile phones or internet in the restricted area meant for players and match officials during international and domestic matches. However, most investigation reports suggest that corrupters try to gain access to the players in the team hotels or at private functions.

However, getting approval for the use of technology to tab mobile phones will be tough as rules vary from nation to nation.

In India, during the investigation into the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal by the Justice Mukul Mudgal panel, BCCI said it could face legal trouble if it labelled someone a bookie without concrete evidence. The Supreme Court-appointed Justice RM Lodha Committee was very critical on this argument in its report.

According to the Lodha report, the database of undesirable elements (bookies, fixers, etc.), though maintained by the Indian Board’s anti-corruption unit, was not shared with the players and team Officials. The players being in the dark could lead to their unwittingly dealing with shady elements.

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ICC Champions Trophy , ICC Champions Trophy Schedule , and Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table – stay ahead with real-time match updates, team standings, and insights. Check live cricket score , player stats, and ICC rankings of top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli . Get expert analysis, match previews, and in-depth coverage of ICC CT 2025, RCB Captain Announcement and IPL 2025, all on HT Crickit, powered by Hindustan Times – your trusted source for cricket news.
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