The International Cricket Council has appealed against the findings of the anti-corruption tribunal into the Bangladesh Premier League, and praised the conduct of Dhaka Gladiators coach Ian Pont.

The ICC has joined the Bangladesh Cricket Board, who initially appointed the tribunal, in appealing the decision to award not guilty verdicts to six players investigated for match-fixing in the 2013 tournament.

Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens was among that number having been found not guilty of failing to report an illegal approach from Dhaka Gladiators owner Shihab Jishan Chowdhury, who was found guilty of being party to corruption.

An ICC statement read: "In the ICC's view, clear and compelling evidence of corruption by a number of individuals have not been taken into account properly.

"Having now had the opportunity to review the detailed decision in its entirety and taken advice on it, we believe that we have very strong grounds on which we can base our appeal.

"We do not believe that the sport would be sending the right message if it does not challenge what, in our opinion, are incorrect findings."

The ICC also moved to support former Essex bowler Pont, who was key to the investigation of corruption around his team.

ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said: "The actions of Ian Pont in reporting the corrupt approach and then helping the ACSU (Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) to establish the extent of the corruption are to be highly commended.

"On behalf of the ICC, the ACSU and the sport of cricket in general, I wish to express my thanks to Mr Pont for all that he has done to uphold the integrity of the sport of cricket.

"The sport would benefit greatly if it contained more men of Mr Pont's integrity and quality."