LONDON (AFP)
Paul Condon, head of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), will fly to Sharjah next week to review security measures which have been introduced at the Gulf venue, world cricket's governing body said in a statement on Friday.

Last April, in the wake of the banning of several Test players, notably former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje, for their connections with illegal bookmakers, the ACU made a number of recommendations for improving security measures in Sharjah.

During the past decade Sharjah has become an increasingly popular venue for one-day internationals and a number of allegations have been made about the propriety of matches staged there.

"Although members of the ACU have been working closely with the Emirates authorities for some time, this will be my first visit to Sharjah," said Condon. "Significant new security measures have been introduced at the venue and I am looking forward to reviewing these in person," added Condon, formerly head of London's Metropolitan Police force.

In the build-up to next year's World Cup in South Africa the ACU is embarking on a widespread programme of security audits. Recently, ACU officers spent time in New Zealand, where they briefed all teams participating in the ICC Under-19 World Cup tournament there.

Following Condon's visit to Sharjah there will be a complete security review of all venues in South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe which are due to host World Cup matches.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd