Lord Condon, the head of the ICC's Anti Corruption Unit (ACU), will fly to the United Arab Emirates next week for a series of meetings with top cricket and security officials connected with the game in Sharjah.

The visit will also include a first hand review of the new security measures introduced at the venue as a direct result of the recommendations contained in the Anti Corruption Unit report of April 2001.

"Although members of the ACU have been working closely with the Emirates authorities for some time, this will be my first visit to Sharjah. Significant new security measures have been introduced at the venue and I am looking forward to reviewing these in person," said Lord Condon.

In the countdown to the World Cup in South Africa in 12 months time the ACU is embarking on an intensive programme of briefings and security audits. Recently, officers spent time in New Zealand, where they briefed all teams participating in the ICC Under 19 World Cup. Following the visit to Sharjah there will be a complete security review undertaken of all venues in South Africa and Zimbabwe which are due to host World Cup matches.

Media note: Lord Condon will hold a media briefing at the Sharjah stadium on Friday, 15th February. Further details are available from ICC Communications Manager Mark Harrison.

Media contact:

Mark Harrison
ICC Communications Manager
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 266 7913/1818
Mob: + 44 (0) 787 944 1891
Email: mark.harrison@icc-cricket.com

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