The International Cricket Council is planning to spend $4m (�2.7m) during the next three years to clean up the sport following widespread match-fixing allegations.

Their announcement came just 24 hours after the United Cricket Board of South Africa banned their former captain Hansie Cronje for life after he admitted receiving money from bookmakers.

The ICC president Malcolm Gray, speaking in Nairobi, said the figure showed just how seriously they consider the matter.

The former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Paul Condon, who was put in charge of the ICC's 'anti-corruption unit' earlier this year will meet executive board members at their two-day meeting in Nairobi, which starts on Monday.

"Cricket has taken a real knock because of the corruption issue and we have to win back the trust and support of the sporting public," said Gray.

"We are making progress even if it slow progress. It is not going to be easy. Up until a few weeks ago I was getting despondent that we weren't getting anywhere, but things have been happening all around the world in the last few weeks and I am feeling a lot more optimistic.

On other matters, he described the ICC's Knockout Trophy as a great success, although he conceded that the crowds may not have been as big as they had been expecting.

The two-week event, which reaches its climax on Sunday, has featured all 10 Test playing countries along with the hosts, Kenya.

"We came here with a twofold purpose," Gray explained. "Firstly, to give the game a boost in this part of the world and secondly to raise funds for our development programme.

"I think in developing cricket, we are developing nations, developing kids and giving people a lot of enjoyment."

Test status

He also disclosed that Kenyan officials are keen to start the process towards test status.

"Even it takes 4 or 5 years, lets start the process and see what happens."

Despite the corruption issues, the biggest blight to face cricket for years, Gray remains optimistic about the game's future.

"We must not forget that cricket is not just about elitist sportsmen flying around the world for the fate of TV. It's about Saturday afternoon, the smell of grass and friendship after the match. That's what is important about cricket and it will continue, " he added.