Unbelievable dismissals spark corruption probe

The ICC has launched an investigation into a private Twenty20 league held in the United Arab Emirates after footage of some bizarre dismissals went viral.

The Ajman T20 All-Stars league had been slated for a five-match series across three days in late January, and was not sanctioned by either the local Ajman Cricket Council, Emirates Cricket Board or the ICC.

However, after footage was broadcast featuring batsman running past deliveries to be easily stumped and running between wickets that resulted in several run outs, the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has taken an interest.

The ICC's ACU general manager Alex Marshall confirmed the governing body had opened an investigation.

"There is currently an ICC Anti-Corruption Unit investigation underway in relation to the Ajman All Stars League held recently in Ajman, UAE," Marshall said in a statement.

"The ACU works to uphold integrity in cricket and in keeping with that role we are talking to players and officials and will not make any further comment at this time."

The ICC also appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

The tournament was abandoned after the first day, and the secretary general of the Ajman Cricket Council told ESPN he had been unaware of its existence until it had started.

"The tournament wasn't approved and we only came to know about the activity on day two," Shaji Ul Mulk said.

"There are procedures and when my staff asked them to go by the rule book, they dispersed and never came back again. Meanwhile, we found the Ajman Oval breaching the code more than once and hence we have suspended their affiliation.

"We have a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and are cooperating with the ICC in their ongoing investigation."

The tournament reportedly involved expatriates from a number of South Asian countries, including some unnamed former international players.