Integrity unit set up at CA
CRICKET Australia has followed the lead of the country’s other major sporting codes by establishing its own specialised integrity unit.
The threat posed to international cricket by match- fixing has only grown more serious, and an independent integrity review carried out by former AFL executive Adrian Anderson recommended CA get on the front foot in protecting the game.
The integrity unit will be headed by CA’s senior legal counsel, Iain Roy, and will also attempt to safeguard cricket from doping offences, illicit substance abuse and other activities that could undermine the sport’s image.
Anderson’s review was initiated before February’s Australian Crime Commission report into organised crime and drugs in sport. However, that bombshell emphasised the need to get cricket’s house in order.
Previously, several departments at CA oversaw integrity issues but the review has recommended a single business unit be given responsibility.
Roy has experience dealing with integrity issues at CA and will take over as senior manager — integrity, reporting to chief executive James Sutherland and general manager of legal and business affairs Dean Kino.
Underneath him will be a team that includes an anti-corruption and security manager, an antidoping medical officer and an education manager.
Sutherland said the integrity unit would help CA improve the wellbeing of the game and its players.
‘‘While there are no suggestions that any Australian players, officials or administrators are involved in corrupt or illegal activity, the threat of that behaviour impacting the integrity of our game in some way is very real and we have to be vigilant in our approach to managing it,’’ he said.
‘‘ By creating a standalone department dedicated to managing the integrity of the game, . . . we are well placed in the fight against corruption, doping and other illegal and harmful practices, ensuring it does not jeopardise the game’s unique place in Australian culture.’’