ICC suspends UAE cricketers for breach of anti-corruption code
Dubai: The ICC on Sunday provisionally suspended UAE cricketers Amir Hayat and Ashfaq Ahmed on match fixing charges.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had suspended opener Ashfaq during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier in October last year but no formal charges were laid as it waited for investigations to get over.
The 38-year-old Hayat, a medium pacer has played 9 ODIs and 4 T20Is while 35-year-old Ashfaq has represented the country in 16 ODIs and 12 T20Is.
"The players have 14 days from 13 September to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage," ICC said in a release.
Amir and Ashfaq have been charged under article 2.1.3 and four other from 2.4.2 to 2.4.5 of ICC's anti-corruption code.
The article 2.1.3 is specific to match fixing. It states, "Seeking, accepting, offering or agreeing to accept any bribe or other Reward to: (a) fix or to contrive in any way or otherwise to influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any International Match; or
"(b) ensure for Betting or other corrupt purposes the occurrence of a particular incident in an International Match."
The other four breaches (2.4.2 to 2.4.5) are specific to non-disclosure of corrupt approach to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
The non-disclosure violation ranges from delay in intimation, intentionally accepting gifts or benefits which is higher than USD 750 which can include personal gifts, hospitality and cricket specific hospitality.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
