THE man in charge of stamping out corruption in cricket insists the International Cricket Council (ICC) is “serious” in its efforts.

A documentary aired yesterday by Al Jazeera highlights what it alleges are numerous examples of spot-fixing conspiracies at the top level of the game, especially in the years between 2010 and 2012.

ICC anti-corruption unit general manager Alex Marshall says the allegations contained in the documentary are already under investigation, adding that his unit has made “repeated efforts” to engage with the broadcaster.

“The ICC is committed to working to uphold integrity in cricket. As you would expect, we will again take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make seriously and will investigate fully,” Marshall said.

“However, I must refute the assertion that cricket does not take the issue of corruption seriously. We have more resources than ever before working to rid our sport of corruption.”

Al Jazeera released a similar documentary in May which alleged that high-profile international matches, including the India versus England match at Chennai in December 2016, were subject to a spot-fixing plot.

Those allegations were dismissed as “outrageous” by England head coach Trevor Bayliss and “ridiculous” by team captain Joe Root.

Marshall’s statement yesterday continued: “The investigation into these allegations [made in the second documentary] has already commenced and will run alongside a number of other live unrelated investigations. When considering the claims, we will work with professional independent betting analysts.

“As with the first programme, we have and will continue to ask for the co-operation of the broadcaster. We have made repeated efforts to engage with the broadcaster as it can play such a crucial part in the full and thorough investigation it has called for.

“We do welcome the commitment from the broadcaster to share the files with Interpol and, I hope, other law enforcement agencies who can act upon the information and support us in ridding the sport of these criminals.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board also released a statement in the wake of the documentary’s release.

It reads: “ECB takes its responsibilities on anti-corruption and preserving the integrity of cricket very seriously.

“While the limited information we have been given by Al Jazeera is poorly prepared and lacks clarity and corroboration, it has been properly assessed.

“Analysis of this by the ECB integrity team has cast no doubt on the integrity or behaviour of any England player, current or former.

“The materials we have been given have been referred to the ICC anti-corruption unit and we will continue to work with them, as is the correct procedure for protecting the game.

“We are also working closely with the PCA (Professional Cricketers’ Association) and keeping them informed.”