ICC clears Pakistan players over bookmaker allegations

ICC chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, said he was pleased that the investigation had discovered no evidence of wrong-doing. Photograph: Asif Hassan/AFP/Getty Images

ICC clears Pakistan players over bookmaker allegationsThe International Cricket Council has announced there is "no substance" to claims bookmakers came into contact with Pakistan players at their hotel during the recent tour of Sri Lanka.

The Pakistan Cricket Board asked the ICC to investigate the matter last week after reports that Indian bookmakers were staying in the same hotel as the national team in Colombo. Pakistan's players had complained to the team manager Yawar Saeed that persons they suspected to be bookmakers had attempted to contact them in their team hotel.

The PCB ruled out holding its own inquiry but passed the matter on to the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, whose own investigation did not raise any suspicions.

"Following its investigations the ACSU is satisfied there is absolutely no substance to the suggestions and that no evidence of any such contacts exists," said an ICC statement.

The ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat added: "The ICC and its members have a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and rightly so because the integrity of our sport with its spirit is one of its greatest assets.

"On that basis it is entirely appropriate that any suggestions in relation to that subject are always reported to and properly investigated by the ACSU. I am pleased those investigations have indicated nothing untoward has taken place on this occasion but it is a reminder that all of us – players, officials and supporters – must maintain our vigilance to ensure we remain on top of the issue of corruption."

Pakistan, recent winners of the World Twenty20, lost the three-Test series in Sri Lanka 2-0 and were beaten 3-2 in the one-day international series, which concluded yesterday.