MCC consider lie detector use to fight corruption

The legalising and regulating of betting markets in India and the inclusion of anti-corruption clauses in playing contracts were among the other ideas thrown up by the MCC's working party, including former players Steve Waugh, Courtney Walsh, Keith Bradshaw and Barry Richards.

An MCC statement issued yesterday at the conclusion of their two-day meeting in Perth read: "A wide range of proposals was discussed at the meeting including: the legalising and regulating of betting markets in India as proposed by the Delhi Court; the length of bans; non-selection of tainted players; the possible use of lie detector tests; the provision of integrity officers; and the inclusion of anti-corruption clauses in all professional playing contracts in all countries."

The MCC Laws sub-committee will be asked to consider this recommendation at their next meeting in February.

The committee felt more deliberation was required before a recommendation could be put forward to ICC.

The sport has been under a cloud since allegations of spot-fixing against several Pakistan players during their summer tour of England.

The MCC statement continued: "The committee is concerned at the scale of the problem, and the detrimental effect it has placed on the integrity of the game. The committee also complimented the ICC and its Anti-Corruption & Security Unit (ACSU) for the work it has undertaken to date.

"However, the committee feels more resources - and increased powers - are required to attempt to eradicate this issue from the game.

"The education of players should not be a meaningless formality; the message should be pressed home with regularity by figures known and respected by the players.

"Furthermore, the committee believes that team captains - as enshrined in the Laws and Spirit of Cricket - should accept greater responsibility for the conduct of their players."

The committee also suggested that television replays should not be used for low catches, urging the ICC to direct the on-field umpires to make the decisions.

"The MCC World Cricket Committee believes that current technology used by third umpires does not provide definitive proof of low catches, and recommends that the on-field umpires must be asked to make an initial decision based on the naked eye," read the statement.

"In assessing whether or not the ball carried, the third umpire should uphold the original decision unless there is overwhelming proof that the decision was incorrect."