MCC body calls for lie detectors

Cricket administrators want to bring in lie detector tests and other measures to combat corruption in the game.

A Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) committee, which included former players Steve Waugh, Courtney Walsh, Keith Bradshaw and Barry Richards, also called for better education of players and for captains to take greater responsibility.

"A wide range of proposals was discussed at the meeting including: the legalising and regulating of betting markets in India; the length of bans; non-selection of tainted players; the possible use of lie detector tests … and the inclusion of anti-corruption clauses in all professional playing contracts in all countries," the MCC said in a statement.

"The committee is concerned at the scale of the problem, and the detrimental effect it has placed on the integrity of the game."

The group said it felt more deliberation was required before a recommendation could be put forward to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Dubai-based international governing body of cricket.

The sport has been under a cloud since allegations of spot-fixing against several Pakistan players during their summer tour of England.

The committee complimented the ICC and its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, but said more resources and increased powers are needed.

"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," the statement said.

"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.