Former CBI man steps into ICC’s anti-corruption unit

Perhaps with this in mind, the ICC has decided to have in place an Indian, former top cop Ravi Sawani, as the next General Manager and Chief Investigator of ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit. Sawani steps into the shoes of Jeff Rees, who has held the post since the ACSU’s inception in 2000.

“I look upon my job as a great responsibility to protect the game of cricket through preventive vigilance,” Sawani said after his appointment. He will report to Lord Paul Condon, the ACU chairman.

Sawani, 57, has 30 years of experience with the Indian Police Service, including seven years with the Central Bureau of Investigation, where, as the joint director (special crimes), he led the enquiry into match-fixing in 2000. He is also the recipient of the president of India’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services, the highest police medal in the country, in 2001.

While announcing the appointment, Speed emphasised that the ICC had received applications from “the United States, England, Australia and South Africa among many other countries,” before settling for an Indian.

Speed is firm in his belief that since there has been an involvement of bookmakers from India, it is good to have someone from India heading the unit.

“There has been a process in place since 2000 wherein when such an alleged offence comes up, it goes to the ACSU. They will then send a report to the ICC Code of Conduct Commission, which is chaired by Michael Beloff QC. He will report to the ICC board, which will then advise the home board on what steps to take,” Speed said.