ICC concerns over 'significant' franchise corruption

ICC concerns over 'significant' franchise corruptionImage source, ReutersImage caption, Cricket's world governing body has been based in Dubai since 2005ByTimothy AbrahamBBC Sport journalistPublished46 minutes agoThe International Cricket Council are formulating plans to tackle what it has called "significant corruption concerns" in franchise tournaments around the globe.In documentation seen by BBC Sport the ICC's integrity unit have reported there is "growing evidence" that corrupters were "infiltrating leagues and players across a number of different member territories".The ICC are now planning to establish a working party which will seek to harmonise franchise cricket within the international calendar and examine how corruption could be tackled more effectively.As part of the steps taken to mitigate the concerns the ICC's executive committee will discuss a number of wider strategies during their ongoing annual general meeting (AGM) in Edinburgh.These include expanding the scope of when the ICC sanction a domestic league, meaning more tournaments would require their approval.Under current regulations a domestic league in a non-full member country only requires ICC approval if it includes more than four players who have represented a full member national team within 24 months.The ICC are also considering beefing up its powers to step into leagues where there were integrity concerns which are not being addressed.Similarly, concerns have been raised over the threat by the growth of illegal betting particularly through the sponsorship of franchise leagues.The ICC note these "expose host members to the risk of facilitating" illegal betting which carries the "potential for increased corruption".Mauritius set to become new memberElsewhere, the ICC will formally ratify one new member at their AGM on Saturday when the island country of Mauritius will be elected.Applications were also received from...