Sumathi Dharmawardena Named New ICC Anti-Corruption Unit Chair

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Sri Lankan legal expert Sumathi Dharmawardena as the new independent chair for its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), effective November 1, 2024. Dharmawardena will take over from Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who served in the role for 14 years, and joins with a strong background in sports corruption investigations and legal representation, including roles with Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Key Responsibilities

As the ACU’s Independent Chair, Dharmawardena will oversee and lead the unit responsible for maintaining the integrity of cricket. This role involves guiding the General Manager – Integrity, who handles the unit’s day-to-day management. The chair’s duties encompass ensuring effective strategies and actions are in place to prevent corruption across international cricket.

Professional Background

Dharmawardena has a distinguished career as the Additional Solicitor General at Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Department, representing the government in various sports-related legal matters. His involvement with Interpol and UNODC has further strengthened his expertise in overseeing high-profile investigations and prosecutions under the Prevention of Offences relating to the Sports Act, making him well-equipped to tackle sports corruption.

Leadership Transition

With both Flanagan and Alex Marshall, ACU’s head, concluding their tenures, Dharmawardena’s leadership marks a significant shift for the ICC’s anti-corruption strategy. His appointment underscores the ICC’s ongoing commitment to upholding integrity within the sport globally.

ICC Headquarters & Leadership

• Headquarters: The ICC is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), a move made in 2005 from its previous base at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
• Chairman and CEO: The ICC is headed by a Chairman, who is elected by the ICC Board, and a CEO, responsible for day-to-day operations.
• Current Leadership: As of the latest updates, Greg Barclay serves as the ICC Chairman, and Geoff Allardice is the CEO.

2. Structure and Membership

The ICC has a three-tier membership structure, with a total of 108 members divided into:

• Full Members (12): Full Members are nations with Test match-playing status. This includes major cricketing countries like Australia, India, England, and South Africa.
• Associate Members (96): Associate Members are countries where cricket is firmly established but do not play Test cricket. These nations participate in other ICC events like the T20 World Cup and regional tournaments.
• Affiliate Members (recently integrated into Associate Membership): These were countries where cricket was still emerging, but in 2017, the ICC merged this category into Associate Members.

3. Key Roles and Responsibilities

The ICC’s primary responsibilities include:

• Organizing International Tournaments: This includes managing major tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and the ICC World Test Championship.
• Maintaining Standards and Rules: The ICC is responsible for setting the rules and regulations of international cricket, working closely with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the custodian of cricket laws.
• Promoting Cricket Globally: The ICC aims to expand the reach of cricket, particularly in non-traditional markets like the USA, Europe, and China.
• Anti-Corruption Measures: Through its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), the ICC works to prevent corruption, match-fixing, and other illicit practices. The ACU investigates suspicious activities, enforces anti-corruption codes, and raises awareness among players.
• Ensuring Discipline and Fair Play: The ICC has disciplinary panels and a Code of Conduct for players and officials to maintain fair play. It also sanctions players for misconduct and breaches.

4. Major ICC Tournaments

The ICC organizes several premier international tournaments, including:

• ICC Cricket World Cup (ODI): Held every four years, this is cricket’s premier 50-over tournament.
• ICC T20 World Cup: Held approximately every two years, the T20 World Cup is one of the fastest-growing events due to the popularity of the shorter format.
• ICC World Test Championship: Launched in 2019, this competition ranks Test-playing nations and culminates in a final match to determine the world’s top Test team.
• ICC U19 Cricket World Cup: A platform for young cricketing talent, held every two years.
• ICC Champions Trophy: Held periodically, this tournament features the top-ranked ODI teams and is seen as a mini World Cup.

5. Revenue Model and Funding

The ICC primarily generates revenue through:

• Broadcasting Rights: The ICC’s biggest revenue stream, which includes rights for ICC events and digital rights in various regions.
• Sponsorships: The ICC has official sponsors and partners, often including major brands like Nissan, Coca-Cola, and MRF Tyres.
• Ticket Sales and Merchandising: Revenues from ticket sales during tournaments and official ICC merchandise contribute to the council’s income.
• Membership Contributions: Full and Associate Members contribute fees to the ICC, which redistributes funding to support cricket development globally.

6. Anti-Corruption Efforts

• The ICC formed the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) in 2000 to tackle issues of match-fixing and corruption in cricket. The ACU operates independently and is led by an independent chair, overseeing a General Manager and a team responsible for integrity management.
• Key Roles of the ACU:
  • Monitoring suspicious betting activities.
  • Investigating reports of match-fixing.
  • Educating players, coaches, and officials on anti-corruption protocols.
• Significant Cases: The ACU has been involved in high-profile cases like the match-fixing scandals in 2000 and the Pakistan spot-fixing scandal of 2010, which resulted in significant suspensions and fines for players involved.

7. Governance and Decision-Making

• ICC Board: The board is the highest decision-making body in the ICC, consisting of representatives from Full Member nations and three Associate Member representatives.
• Committees: The ICC has various committees, including the Cricket Committee, Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, and the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee. These committees advise on issues such as playing conditions, anti-corruption measures, and disciplinary matters.

8. Challenges and Criticisms

The ICC has faced several challenges over the years, including:

• Balancing Power: A perceived dominance of countries like India, Australia, and England, known as the “Big Three,” has led to debates about fairness in revenue distribution and influence over decision-making.
• Anti-Corruption Efforts: Despite the ACU’s efforts, corruption remains a concern in cricket, with new cases periodically emerging, especially in franchise leagues.
• Expansion Challenges: While the ICC promotes cricket globally, integrating new markets has been slow, and the sport’s popularity remains largely confined to traditional cricketing nations.
• Scheduling and Player Workload: The rise of franchise leagues has created challenges for scheduling international series, with concerns over player fatigue and the prioritization of national duties over private leagues.

9. Future of the ICC and Cricket Development

• Expansion Plans: The ICC has been working to include cricket in multi-sport events like the Olympics to reach new audiences and secure cricket’s status as a global sport.
• Digital and Broadcast Innovations: The ICC is focusing on digital engagement, launching streaming services, and partnering with digital platforms to reach younger audiences and fans in non-cricketing nations.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The ICC has introduced environmental and sustainability measures in tournaments, including reducing plastic waste and supporting eco-friendly practices at venues.

10. ICC Key Facts Summary

• Founded: 1909
• Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
• Full Members: 12
• Major Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, World Test Championship
• Anti-Corruption Unit: Established 2000
• Current Chairperson: Greg Barclay
• CEO: Geoff Allardice