Gray said the ICC needed more authority to deal with issues like match-fixing and the refusal of countries to play against certain opponents.

"We hope and strive to get more powers to control the game effectively," he told reporters at the Sharjah Stadium.

He was in Sharjah for a stopover en route to London to attend next week's ICC annual general meeting.

"This meeting will be a key moment in cricket's fightback against match-fixing as members from around the world reaffirm their commitment to a corruption-free culture.

"No one should doubt our determination to achieve this aim. After the meeting the ICC will announce what action it intends to take."

Gray said points accrued during a Test cricket championship series will be deducted from countries that refuse to play others "for political or other reasons".