ICC to update cricketers on anti-corruption before Cup

BANGALORE: Players and support staff will be updated on anti-corruption methods before next year's World Cup in the Indian sub-continent, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday. "It is absolutely vital for our flagship event and the future prosperity of cricket that we maintain public confidence in the integrity of the game," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement after a meeting of the 2011 World Cup Central Organising Committee (COC). "Repeating the education and awareness to players and support staff will leave no room for doubt. We are committed to a zero-tolerance approach to corruption." Cricket is battling a spot-fixing controversy which led to the provisional suspension of three Pakistani players and shed light on the huge illegal betting industry in the Indian sub-continent. ICC President Sharad Pawar, who chaired the meeting, promised top class facilities and assured stadiums would be ready by the end of this year. "We have confirmed our deadline date for the completion of all stadia construction work to be 30 November 2010 and all playing facilities to be match-ready by 31 December 2010." Lorgat said ICC had been assured that proper safety and security measures would be put in place for the event. The COC also announced that the Indian company which organised the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony will do the same for the World Cup which India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will jointly host from Feb. 19 to April 2. AGENCIES

Pakistan thrash Scotland by 3-0 in opening match

NEWDEHLI: Pakistan made a winning start to their campaign in the Commonwealth Games, thrashing Scotland 3-0 in their opening Pool A match here on Tuesday. Shakeel Abbasi opened the scoring for Pakistan in the 20th minute before ace forward Rehann Butt slammed a goal from the top of the circle 10 minutes from half-time at a near-empty Major Dhyan Chand stadium. Muhammad Imran made it 3-0 when he converted the first of the four penalty corners that Pakistan earned in the match in the 43rd minute. Pakistan, who finished last at the same venue in the World Cup earlier this year, seemed to have left memories of that botched campaign firmly behind them as they took control of the proceedings right from the first whistle. The defeated finalists of the 2006 Melbourne Games, Pakistan next face Malaysia before taking on hot favourites Australia and arch-rivals India. Butt said his side was relieved to have crossed the first hurdle with ease. "We are really pleased that we could start off with a victory," the 30-year-old said. "We have some tough matches coming up against Australia and India and the win today will boost our confidence." Butt was disappointed with the poor attendance at the stadium Tuesday but hoped more people would turn up for Pakistan's match against the home team. "A player always gives his best when there is a good crowd to cheer the good moves. May be the early timings and the heat kept the crowd away. But I am sure there will be many who will come to watch us play India." In a Pool B match played earlier, New Zealand men spanked Trinidad and Tobago 7-1 with Andrew Hayward and Blair Hilton slamming in two goals each. Hugo Inglis, Hayden Shaw and Nick Haig were the other scorers for the Black Sticks while Wayne Legerton netted the lone goal for Trinidad and Tobago.AGENCIES