DUBAI – The International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating a privateTwenty20 league in the United Arab Emirates, the sport’s global governingbody has said, after footage of some farcical dismissals went viral onsocial media.

A match in the Ajman All Stars League, which is not sanctioned by theEmirates Cricket Board (ECB), saw several batsmen appear to throw theirwickets in bizarre fashion, by running themselves out or getting stumpedwithout trying to return to the crease, even when the wicketkeeper fumbled.

“There is currently an ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) investigationunderway in relation to the Ajman All Stars League held recently in Ajman,UAE,” ACU general manager Alex Marshall said in a statement.

“The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit works to uphold integrity in cricket and inkeeping with that role, we are talking to players and officials and willnot make any further comment at this time.”

The Ajman Cricket Council (ACC) has suspended all matches at the Ajman Oval.

“… we found the Ajman Oval breaching the code more than once and hence wehave suspended their affiliation,” ACC secretary general Shaji Ul Mulk toldESPNcricinfo.

“We have a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and are cooperatingwith the ICC in their ongoing investigation.” – Agencies