The Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) today acknowledges and supports the findings of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) in relation to the matter involving all-rounder Irfan Ahmed.

Irfan was charged under article 2.4.2 under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, namely: “Failing to disclose to the ACU (without undue delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in conduct that would amount to a breach of the Anti-Corruption Code”.

Irfan admitted to the breach and has accepted his ban of two years and six months.

It should be noted that Irfan did not act on the approaches he received.

HKCA Chairman, Mike Walsh said “the HKCA are pleased this matter has now reached its conclusion and fully support the continued fight against corruption in cricket.

“We echo the ICC ACU Chairman’s concerns about the recent attention paid to emerging cricket nations by illegal betting networks and we stand with the ICC to reinforce their efforts in educating our players and officials about the very real risks currently faced by cricket.”

His statement was added to by CEO Tim Cutler who spoke about the HKCA’s reaction to the situation.

“The global problem of match-manipulation is a threat to the sport of cricket and Hong Kong cannot afford to be complacent. The HKCA is committed to taking all necessary measures to prevent corrupt practices undermining the integrity of the sport of cricket, including attempts to improperly influence the outcome or aspect of any Match or Event.”

“We have implemented a number of initiatives to combat corruption including adopting and implementing a robust Anti-Corruption Code in Hong Kong that has been approved by the ICC. The acknowledgement by the ACU of the HKCA’s unqualified cooperation during their investigations is indicative of our efforts to maintain the integrity of cricket in Hong Kong ” Cutler said.

The HKCA will not be making any further comment on this matter.

香港板球總會今日（20日）確認國際板球理事會（International Cricket Council）反貪污小組（Anti-Corruption Unit）對香港板球員簡亞凡（Irfan Ahmed）的調查結果。

簡亞凡早前因涉嫌違反國際板球理事會反貪污守則（ICC Anti-Corruption Code）第2.4.2條而被調查。該條例列明，如果有人被邀請參與違反「反貪污守則」的行為，而沒有及時向反貪污小組舉報的話，即屬違規。

簡亞凡承認違反此條例，並接受兩年六個月的停賽判罰。

本會強調，簡亞凡並沒有接受邀請參與任何違規行為。

本會主席衛士傑（Mike Walsh）表示：「今次事件得到解決，香港板球總會為此感到欣慰，並會繼續支持板球界反貪的努力。」

「近期非法賭博集團注視著一眾新進板球地區，我們認同國際板球理事會反貪污小組主席的擔憂。我們會與國際板球理事會站在同一陣線，協助他們教育職球員怎樣面對板球現時所面對的挑戰。」

本會行政總裁葛添（Tim Cutler）對此亦作出回應。

他表示：「操控球賽是整個國際板球界所面對的威脅，香港並不能夠坐以待斃。香港板球總會致力採取任何所需措施，以防止貪污行為影響板球運動的誠信，包括任何嘗試影響球賽結果的行為。」

葛添補充道：「我們已經推行了多項打擊貪污的措施，包括實行一套嚴謹的反貪污守則，並受到國際板球理事會認可。反貪污小組確認香港板球總會在是次調查中的全力協助，亦證明本會對維護香港板球誠信不遺餘力。」

香港板球總會不會再對此事件作出任何評論。