Members of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) will be out in full force during ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, ensuring as much as possible that the Event is free of match-fixing or other related practices.

Speaking uncompromisingly about the ICC’s zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption in the sport, Chief Executive of cricket’s world-governing body, Malcolm Speed, has said there will be “stringent measures in place to deal with any suggestions of corruption” during the tournament which begins in three weeks with Warm-up matches.”

“The ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit will be here in force. Its members, both the investigators and the Regional Security Managers, attend events such as this. They don’t seek to attract attention to themselves but they will be here,” disclosed Speed at a Press conference in Trinidad.

The ACSU, he continued, has “an excellent network of contacts” which assists its investigative team in tracking bookmakers and other persons “who have been involved in corruption in the past”.

The ACSU, which is staffed by former senior police officers from around the globe, will be monitoring any inappropriate activity surrounding CWC matches and following up on anything that appears to contravene the ICC Code of Conduct.

“That will be their focus throughout the Cricket World Cup,” confirmed Speed, revealing that millions – and even as much as US$1 billion – in worldwide bets could be at stake per match if certain teams clash in ICC CWC 2007.