Intro for cover story: While the echoes of the match-fixing scandal from years ago still reverberate, the cricket world now faces yet another crisis. An investigative report by Tehelka SIT has exposed a massive fraud in ICC coaching certifications.
“You don’t need to worry about the selection process or the exam. I’ll take care of it while sitting in India. Typically, certificates are issued three months after the exam, but I’ll arrange yours immediately after you complete the course — over the phone. I’ve already obtained two certificates this way: one for my younger brother and another for a relative. But I will secure a certificate for only someone close to you — not just anyone. Otherwise, people might accuse me of profiting from this.”
Meet Usman (he prefers his first name), an agent, local cricketer, and a man deeply involved in preparing sports grounds. Based in Delhi, Usman claims to have connections that allow him to fix International Cricket Council (ICC) Level 1 cricket coaching certificates directly from the ICC headquarters in Dubai.
Usman claims that he had arranged two such certificates years ago, one for his brother and another for his relative. Based on those certificates, the duo is now employed as cricket coaches in India, according to Usman. He made these startling claims to Tehelka reporter, who met him posing as a fictitious client looking to hire someone for the job of preparing a cricket ground.
The ICC conducts cricket coaching education courses for Levels 1, 2 and 3 twice a year. Level 1 focuses on development and serves as the junior-most level. Level 2 builds upon Level 1 and represents the middle tier. Finally, Level 3 concentrates on coaching cricket at the highest level and stands as the senior-most tier. In 2017, Usman claimed that he had leveraged his connections at the ICC headquarters in Dubai to arrange the Level 1 cricket coaching course for his brother and relative. He ensured their selection and successful completion of the exam. Now, he promises the same for our candidate if we entrust him with the contract to prepare a cricket ground. According to Usman, all we need to do is send our candidate to Dubai for a week—the duration required to complete the Level 1 course — and he’ll handle the rest.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) serves as the global governing body for cricket, representing 108 member countries. Its primary responsibilities include administering the game and collaborating with member nations to promote cricket worldwide. As part of its efforts, the ICC offers a comprehensive training and education program designed to foster the development of coaches, umpires, scorers, and pitch curators across the globe. One crucial component of this program is the ICC Coaching Course Level 1. This course equips participants with the technical knowledge necessary to conduct cricket sessions for new and beginner players. However, before enrolling in the Level 1 course, aspiring coaches must successfully complete the ICC Coaching Foundation Certificate.
The Level 1 course consists of six modules, each covering essential aspects of coaching. Participants engage in assessments at the end of each module, aiming for a pass mark of 75% to progress to the next stage. Upon successful completion of all modules and assessments, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, officially accrediting them as ICC-certified coaches.
Usman, whom we’ve encountered during our investigative meetings, asserted that he could manipulate the certification process. He claimed to have secured two ICC coaching certificates — one for his brother and another for a relative — thus enabling them to become ICC-certified coaches. Now, he promised to replicate this feat for our candidate.
The topic of fixing ICC Level 1 coaching certificates was central to our interactions with Usman throughout. Right from our initial meeting, Usman confidently assured us that he could secure the coaching certificate for our candidate by simply contacting his source in Dubai.
Reporter- hoti sirf Dubai se hi hai..
Usman- Haan pehle dur tha ab inhone Dubai … main branch Dubai mein bana li hai…pehle London mein tha..
Reporter- ICC ka?
Usman- Pehle London mein tha.. ab Dubai mein branch kholi hai…to wahan jana padega, 3-4 din rehna padega wahan par….wo mein kara dunga.. usmein koi dikkat nahi hai…
Reporter- Wahan kya hota hai ?
Usman- Exam hota hai…wo mein nikalwa dunga , yahan se baithe baithe nikalwa dunga…pareshan mat ho.
[Usman informs that the ICC coaching exams are now conducted in Dubai instead of London, while assuring the reporter that he can arrange for the exam and certification for our person in Dubai from India without any issues. This reveals the worrying ease with which certifications can be manipulated.]
Now, Usman not only promised to fix the ICC Level 1 cricket coaching entrance exam for us, but also assured us that we would receive the coaching certificate immediately after completing the course, bypassing the ICC’s standard three-month waiting period.
Reporter- Kitne din rehna padega ?
Usman- Mere khayal se 5-6 din rehna padega….wo ‘hand to hand’ aapko certificate bhi de denge…
Reporter- Accha, waise procedure kya hai..?
Usman- Procedure hai 3 mahine mein certificate detey hain, par mein phone kar dunga ‘hand to hand’ certificate de denge.. wo aapko certificate de denge.. aap bas bag mein rakhkar laiyega…
[Drawing from the conversation, it’s evident that Usman can expedite the certification process through his connections, highlighting a significant loophole in the ICC’s certification system.]
Usman further revealed that he will call his source at the ICC in Dubai, ensuring that no one will ask many questions of our candidate. He explained that a four-person panel—comprising representatives from England, Australia, India and the UAE — will scrutinize our candidate for the coaching job. However, he said that he has contacts with the UAE representative, who will ensure our candidate passes through easily. He assured us that the certificate would be handed over without any issues, by leveraging his connections within the ICC’s management.
Usman- Wo aapse zyada nahi poochenge, mein phone kar dunga…
Usman (continues) – Lekin wahan par London ka bhi England ka coach aata hai.. 4 jagah ke log hotey hain, ek London ka tha, ek Australia ka tha, ek UAE ka tha, aur ek Indian tha, to Indian jo hai hamare side ka tha.. to unhoney maan liya tha sab.. wahan mein phone kar dunga.. koi pareshani ki baat nahi hai, jo XXXXX hai UAE ke, pehle jo they XXXXX bhai, wo bhi hain unse bhi kaam karwa dunga..to aapko certificate ‘hand to hand’ de denge..
Reporter- XXXXX bhai ICC mein hain..?
Usman- ICC mein hain wo pehle XXXX they UAE ke..ab wo management mein aa gaye hain..
[Usman brags about his connections within the ICC panel underscoring the potential for manipulation within the certification process.]
Now, Usman disclosed how he had managed to secure a Grade ‘A’ for his brother Danish in the ICC Level 1 coaching exam, which is otherwise difficult to achieve. He explained that the ICC follows a grading system for their exams, awarding Grades A, B, and C to candidates after they complete the respective courses. Grade A represents the best performance, Grade B is just below that, and Grade C is very poor. According to Usman, the ICC only issues certificates to candidates who achieve Grades A and B, but not to those with Grade C.He claimed to have secured a Grade A for his younger brother Danish and promised to do the same for our candidate.
Reporter- To ye pass kaise kartey hain..?
Usman- Pass mein karwa dunga, aap kyun tension le rahe ho..
Reporter- Nahi doosre logon ko kaise pass kartey hain, aap to apne ho.. karwa dogey..
Usman- Baki sab jo hain na, ye maan lijiye test de rahe hain wo..unke wahan grade system hai, agar grade C hai to aap qualify nahi kar paogey, Grade A hai to accha hai, nikal detey hain, B mein bhi wo nikal detey hain, lekin C wale ko nahi nikaltey, ye samajh lijiye 50-60 hazar rupees aapke phir aapko dubara dena padega,
Reporter- Grade C wale ko nahi nikaltey?
Usman- Nahi wo certificate nahi issue karenge…
Reporter- Grade B wale ko ?
Usman- De denge..
Reporter- Grade A wale ?
Usman- Grade A wale ho to aap next level par jaogey.. to uske liye aur aasani ho jayegi…
Reporter- To ye aap karwa dogey?
Usman- Karwa dunga.
Reporter- Grade A ka certificate dilwa dogey?
Usman- Koshish karunga.. thoda dimag lagana padega.. kyunki do aur hotey hain wahan London.. aur pata nahi kaun hoga.
Reporter- Danish bhai kis sey pass hua hain?
Usman- Grade A se, grade A se karwa diya tha maine. Phir wo jaantey bhi they pehley se.
[Usman assured that he could secure a pass for our candidate, emphasizing his ability to influence the ICC’s grading system. He emphasized his ability to manipulate the system, ensuring high grades for those he assists. This highlights the corruption involved in manipulation of the grading process.]
According to Usman, obtaining an ICC Level 1 coaching certificate is akin to earning a degree, which can open abundant employment opportunities for the candidate. He highlighted the value of a Grade A certificate, emphasizing that it significantly enhances job prospects. Additionally, Usman mentioned that completing the Level 1 certificate is a stepping stone to further qualifications and higher salaries, with the potential to pursue Level 2 certification within India.
Usman- Level A ke certificate mein apne aap mein ek baat hoti hai…aap ye samajh lijiye aapko degree ja rahi hai..
Reporter- Issey salary bhi mil jati hogi jahan aap coaching de rahe ho.
Usman- Haan, ek bat aur bata doon.. agar aapko naukri karni hai.. Level 1 kariye.. phir mein aapko bataunga 6 months ka course hota hai.. wo yahin ho jayega aapka India mein… wo aap kar lenge aur Level 2 kar lijiyega…koi nahi rok sakta aapko kisi bhi institute mein…
[Usman emphasizes job-fetching potential of the ICC Level 1 coaching certificate. The conversation also underscores the certificate’s critical role in advancing coaching careers]
Now, Usman assured us once again that he will ensure our candidate passes the ICC Level 1 cricket coaching exam. He revealed that he had previously fixed two ICC Level 1 coaching certificates, one for his brother Danish and another for a relative. However, Usman emphasized that he would like to help only those who are close to us to avoid the perception of profiteering. He also mentioned the importance of basic understanding for the candidate and suggested getting additional coaching if needed.
Reporter- Lekin aisa na ho ye banda pass na ho, ye aapki zimmedari hai.
Usman- Ye meri zimmedari hai..magar aap bhejiye to sahi ek baar..lekin thodi basics samajha dijiye agar nahi hain to 2-3 din de dijiye taki koi samjha dega..
Usman (continues)- Waise coaching karne ki zaroorat hi kya hai ?
Reporter- Nahi mainey bataya na mere bhai ka hai.
Usman- Haan to phir kar lijiye, jo bilkul khas ho na usi ka lena, abhi maine bhai ka karaya hai aur ek ladka aur hai, uska, baki logon ko mein mana hi kar deta hoon, kisi ke dimag mein ye na aa jaye ki hum paisa kama rahe hain..
Reporter- Wo ladka bhi khas hi hai aapka ?
Usman- Wo meri phoophi ka ladka hai.
Reporter- Ban gaya ya banwaogey ?
Usman- Ban gaya, wo Dubai chala gaya.
Reporter- Wo hi setting se..?
Usman- Haan, par ye dono khele hain bhai .. wo bhi university khela hua hai, wo bhi agra se hai..
Reporter- Hamey mila kar 3 log ho jayenge.. is certificate ke binah par naukri mil jayegi..?
Usman- Bilkul,..ICC mein.. mein to ye kahunga isko karne ke baad ek course hai, wo kar lena, uske baad na acche school mein.. college mein naukri mil jayegi..
Reporter- Wo to India mein hi hoga na doosra course?
Usman- Haan..
[Usman’s emphasis that he would only help close contacts to avoid suspicion reveals the ethical dilemmas in certification manipulation.]
Usman revealed that he had traveled to Dubai himself to ensure that his brother, Danish, obtained the ICC Level 1 coaching certificate without any hiccups. However, he hastened to add that while he arranged everything, Danish also possessed the necessary skills.
Reporter- Aap ne hi banwaya Danish ka certificate ICC ka..?
Usman- Haan mein saath mein hi gaya tha, maine hi karwaya tha.
Reporter- Poori setting aapne karwai ?
Usman- Haan…baki usko aata bhi tha..
[While Usman confessed to manipulating an ICC Level 1 coaching certificate for his brother, Danish, he again highlighted the importance of candidate having at least a basic understanding to make the process smoother.]
Thereafter, we had a second meeting with Usman, this time along with his brother, Mohammed Danish, who had received his ICC Level 1 coaching certificate from Dubai with Usman’s help. During this meeting, Usman informed us that to apply for the coaching course, candidates must have played cricket at the university level. When we revealed that our candidate had only played at the school level, Usman assured us he could arrange fabricated documents to help us fake a university-level cricket experience. This way, our candidate could still apply for the ICC Level 1 cricket coaching certification.
Usman- Bas yahin beithey beithey kaam karwa dunga aapka aap tension mat lo…
Reporter- Aap kagaz ka intezam karwa do, kagaz nahi hai university waley..
Usman- Mein baat karta hoon, tension mat lo….aap mujhe mail to karo..mujhe phone aaya tha XXXX bhai ka.. boley they naukri karni hai, same day dilwaya tha usi din management se..
Usman (continues)- Wo bas mujhe na aap mail kar do, school ke certificate bhi mujhe mail kardo.. uske hisab se main kuch karta hoon manage..
[Usman confirmed his ability to fabricate documents falsely showing university-level cricket experience for our candidate, facilitating their application for the ICC Level 1 coaching course. This underscores the unethical practice of document manipulation in obtaining coaching certifications.]
Danish, an ICC-certified coach, now explained ICC’s internal workings to our reporter, highlighting that interviews are conducted by a board rather than through traditional interviews. He assured that Usman would ensure our candidate’s passing by directly influencing ICC. Usman proposed sending our candidate’s photo to ICC, to simplify the certification process.
Reporter- Aapke time mein kitne log they..?
Danish-24 hi hotey hain..
Repoprter- Nahi nahi.. jo interview le rahe they kitne log they..?
Danish- Wo basically interview nahi letey wo board mein padhatey hain.. aapko practical karatey hain, samjhayenge phir..jaise aap entry karoge na, aapka naam hoga ..aapko samjhayenge..neeche aake aapko demo dena hai…
Reporter- Pass ki guarantee Usman bhai le rahe hain…?
Usman- Uski tension mat lo..mein phone kar dunga.
Danish- Haan ye phone kar dengey ho jayega kaam..
Usman- Aapko kuch na to baat karni hai, na kuch karna hai.. main yahan se photo bhej dunga aur unse keh dunga ye banda hai.. ye naam hai, ab aapko certificate dekar hi bhejenge..hand to hand dekar hi bhejenge..
[Danish’s assurance to our reporter that under Usman’s guidance, our candidate’s passing would be ensuredreveals the ease with which certifications can be manipulated through personal connections.]
Now, we arranged a meeting with Usman – his third with us – and his business partner Rajbir at a five-star Delhi hotel. Usman and Rajbir work together as partners in preparing sports grounds. Rajbir assured that our candidate would secure ICC Level-1 coaching course admission through their connections. He also acknowledged having assisted numerous individuals with admissions in the past.
Reporter- Ismein aapki kya setting hai.. mein ye pooch raha hoon..?
Rajbir- Admission mein.
Reporter- Accha aap admission karwaoge ?
Rajbir- Haan pass to aap ho jaogey.. pehle level pe pass ho jaogey.. doosre mein aapko padhna padega..
Reporter- Accha coaching mein admission ke liye aapki setting hai ?
Rajbir- Haan.
Reporter- Admission aise nahi hota, kitne aatey hain admission mein..all over world kitne aatey honge ?
Rajbir- Asia se …50, Asia ke hi aatey hain..
Reporter- 50 mein se letey kitne hain ye..?
Rajbir- 50 seat hain.
Reporter- Aur aatey kitne hain ?
Rajbir- Aatey hain itne sare…(gesturing with hand)
Reporter- Admission kara rahe hain log?
Rajbir- Aisi baat nahi hai, kitne logon ki krayi hai..
Reporter- Accha!
[The conversation illustrates the impact of networking on competitive admissions and also highlights the potential for preferential treatment in the admissions.]
Cricket, often regarded as a gentleman’s game, has faced its share of challenges. There have been instances in the past when certain players failed to uphold its noble spirit, tarnishing its reputation with infamous match-fixing scandals. These scandals reverberated globally, casting shadows over the sport.
During these difficult times, the International Cricket Council (ICC) played a crucial role. Efficiently fulfilling its duty, the ICC ensured that players who tainted the image of this reputable sport faced justice. However, the latest scandal, exposed by Tehelka, takes an unexpected turn. This time, it’s not players but agents who are responsible for tarnishing cricket’s image. The question remains: Is the ICC aware of this situation?
As cricket enthusiasts, we hope that the guardians of the game continue to uphold its integrity and address any threats promptly. The battle against corruption and scandal is ongoing, and the ICC’s vigilance remains essential. It is imperative that the government addresses the concerns raised by our expose to safeguard the sport’s future.
