ICC warns Cricket Boards about corruptors on social media

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has warned the Cricket boards in a letter about concerns of Cricketers being approached by corruptors through social media platforms in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Cricbuzz, the letter read, “With most of the world experiencing lockdowns and restrictions, it has left many with time on their hands, some of which can be filled on social media. The creativity some have shown has been remarkable but there is a darker side.”
“We have seen evidence that corruptors are using their time to contact players through social media, particularly Instagram, Whatsapp and Facebook.”

ALSO READ: BCCI forbids members from talking to media

According to Cricbuzz, two of the players who have been approached through social media are members of the United States of America’s men’s Cricket team. Among the two, one of the players was approached with an offer to have kit sponsorship by an individual, who is already on the radar of the ICC Anti Corruption Unit,  while the details about the second approach are still unknown.

This is not the first time Cricketers from the USA have been targeted by individuals with malicious intent. Cricbuzz have stated that two of USA’s national team players were approached right before the Global T20 Canada league draft last year.

ALSO READ: Known corruptors trying to build relations with players amid COVID-19 lockdowns: ICC ACU chief

The Cricketers received calls from suspicious individuals masquerading as team representatives asking to adhere to their ‘demands’ in order to get picked in the draft to play the franchise tournament. One of those players was eventually picked in the draft but withdrew from the tournament after failing to get the No Objection Certificate from USA.