Three-member panel calls for forensic audit of T20 World Cup financial irregularities

A three-member committee appointed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to scrutinize the organization of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has recommended a comprehensive forensic audit by an external firm. This decision came from the panel of Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo, and Imran Khwaja, who have been appointed by the ICC to investigate the matter.

According to News18, a unanimous agreement was reached to initiate an investigation into potential financial mismanagement during the recently concluded T20 World Cup, held across the United States of America and the West Indies. Concerns over fiscal oversight and possible impropriety during the tournament prompted the decision.

“It was unanimously decided to give the committee a free hand to conduct the review. There is a bright possibility of an external company conducting a thorough forensic audit of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Every detail will be looked into and every transaction will be thoroughly checked,” News18 quoted an official as saying.

The ICC's Annual Conference concluded recently in Colombo, featuring meetings of the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) and the Finance & Commercial Affairs Committee. Insiders suggest ICC members, including ICC Chair Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice, are resolute about any findings of financial misconduct from ongoing investigations, which could lead to high-level resignations.

Furthermore, the committee reportedly has been granted authority to monitor Tetley and Furlong's roles closely, potentially including measures such as suspensions or restricted access during the investigation. 

“Two ICC employees have already submitted their resignations but the committee will look into their roles during the World Cup. The committee will be given a free hand to decide whether there is a need to place them on suspension or restrict access to work. The idea is to not have any sort of hindrance or roadblocks during the thorough investigation,” the official further added.

“Not only is there a need to do the right thing but to also ensure that the ICC is also seen as doing the right thing. As the global governing body of the game, the ICC is accountable to its members and fans all over the world. Transparency has to be the key at all times and unfortunately, it was missing in many ways all this while,” say those tracking developments.

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