ICC anti-corruption chief flags reputational risk from legends cricket leagues

ICC Anti-Corruption chief Andrew Ephgrave warned that tournaments featuring retired cricket legends sit in a regulatory grey zone and could tarnish the sport’s reputation.

What Happened

Ephgrave said many legends leagues operate without an ICC No‑objection certificate and are often unsanctioned by domestic boards, leaving them outside the current cricket framework. He cited the 2024 Legends League Cricket held in Sri Lanka, which attracted corruption allegations.

Reaction

The former British police officer noted that while iconic players draw fans, the lack of clear oversight creates a balance between heritage appeal and risk. He stressed that anti‑corruption work now sees more players reporting suspicious activity, describing it as “hundred per cent.” Ephgrave highlighted the ICC’s engagement programmes that aim to educate players, build confidence and shift the perception of anti‑corruption from a punitive arm to a supportive one.

Context

Legends leagues are exhibition‑style events that feature retired international stars. Because they are not part of the official ICC or domestic calendar, they often miss formal licensing, making them vulnerable to integrity concerns.