MCC suggest lie detector tests to avoid corruption in cricket

The MCC World Cricket Committee has recommended that the laws of the game be amended - including the possible use of lie detector tests - in a bid to rid the sport of 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 today 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 games utilising the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), if the batsman or fielding captain wishes to review the decision, he may do so at this point provided that he still has a review in hand.

"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.

"With so many examples proving inconclusive on television, the committee feels that the benefit of the doubt too often goes to the batsmen, who often now stand their ground for most low catches.

"The committee saw merit in [Australia captain] Ricky Ponting's recent assertion that captains should all agree to take the fielder's word on low catches.

"However, it felt that such an agreement would be difficult to implement and consequently urges the ICC to direct the on-field umpires to make the decision."