Is the ACU really taking a weird turn?
If one believes recent media reports, it's unfortunate the ICC's Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) having done a good job, is now taking a weird turn that may lead them into a jungle from which they will never find a way out. The reports allege, in an attempt to enlarge the scope of match fixing investigations, the ACU has now set themselves on the path of `suspecting' the shots on which players get out.

With so much cricket being played round the year and players getting out in different styles, such an investigation is like jumping into the sea to catch a rare fish. Since the method seems to lack the vital ingredient of proving the intention of a player except through hypothesis, the players could not possibly be charged for `throwing away the wicket leading to match fixing'.

According to a press report the trio of Inzamam-ul Haq, Wasim Akram and Brian Lara are in the first list for such a special investigation. As per the news item, keeping Inzamam under suspicion for some time, the ACU has focussed on his performance against Australia in the one-day match at Cardiff on June 9, in which Inzamam was out second ball, stumped by Adam Gilchrist off Shane Warne for a duck.

While sensible observers of the game termed Inzamam's sallying down the pitch to be a reaction to the stationing of a `silly point', the ACU is looking into whether it could have been the part of a "betting operation". While Brian Lara is under investigation by Elliott Mottley of the West Indies Cricket Board, Wasim Akram's name appears again, despite having been already tried and punished with a fine and invaluable loss of captaincy.

In its vigorous pursuit of the subject the ICC must realise that while players like Mark Waugh, Alec Stewart and Martin Crowe (for allegedly selling information) and Arjuna Ranatunga and Arvinda de Silva (for alleged match fixing) have been cleared out of the net, the efforts of the media continue to trap mostly Pakistani players time and again.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been upright and prompt in taking action against its players even on the slightest suspicion. One can only wonder if this is just reward of such honesty that Pakistan players continue to be the targets of the sordid match-fixing episode? One hopes that all player performances, like the way of getting out, are being closely monitored the world over. It's obvious that dark clouds of suspicion cast on the players will adversely affect their performance, jeopardizing the spirit of competition that the game generates.

Inspection of facilities
It has become a common practice for the visiting teams to send a representative to inspect facilities in the host country prior to launching a tour. The New Zealand team is scheduled to arrive Pakistan on September 14 for a series of 3 one-day matches followed by 3 tests. The Manager designate, Jeff Crowe, visited Pakistan recently to inspect the playing as well as the boarding and lodging facilities that exist in the country.

It is not the first time that the New Zealanders are visiting Pakistan. Having played a test series here as recently as 1996-97, they would have known about the grounds, stadiums and hotels well, plus the standards of hospitality. Having organised the World Cup twice, there could not be a doubt about the playing facilities that exist in Pakistan.

It is possible that an official of a touring team visiting match centres in the host country to inspect facilities may be regarded as insulting by the hosts. With frequent exchange of visits between teams, the host countries even know the food habits of their guests.

The hosts always offer their best to the visitors. I remember, as ex-Secretary of the PCB, I had to direct all match centres to arrange a special bed for Joel Garner when the West Indies team was on a visit of Pakistan. Such are normal courtesies, which the host countries are pleased to provide their guests.

It would be a matter of great pleasure if an official of the visiting team visits the host country in advance to discuss matters of mutual interest with the Board, but no inspection of facilities please. To eliminate the feeling of the hosts being subservient to the guests, such a practice should better be discontinued. I feel we ought to meet each other and treat each other on absolutely equal basis.

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