Perth, Jan 13 (IANS): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has supported proposals being made by the Australian government to establish a national framework of laws to combat cheating in sport.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, who is here to attend the third Test between India and Australia, reiterated cricket's zero tolerance attitude to cheating.

"ICC is pleased to add its support to that of Australia's Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports (COMPPS) in support of the Australian government's initiative to tackle cheating in sport," said Lorgat in a statement.

"Like all sports in Australia, the ICC and its members cherish the reputation and integrity of the game. All sport needs honest competition and while in Australia I will be restating our well known stance to the government," he added.

Lorgat said in the past year cricket has faced the sort of challenge which could threaten any sport.

"I believe we conclusively proved that we will not tolerate any threat to the integrity of the game. I hope our swift and decisive action to charge, provisionally suspend and eventually prosecute and ban those who dared to sully the good name of cricket as well as the subsequent criminal prosecution will serve as a deterrent in future."

"ICC had also worked effectively with the UK Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police to bring those who committed wrong to justice. Sports governing bodies need state assistance to tackle this worldwide menace and in turn we will support any Government that legislates to protect sport against cheating," he said.

Lorgat also asked the governments of other member countries to follow Australia's way in curbing corruption in sports.

"In supporting this Australian initiative we urge other governments to consider the same to protect all sports. Needless to say we will continue to use everything within our power to ensure that any threat of corrupt activity within the game of cricket is resolutely dealt with," he said.