‘Enough is enough’: ICC to review code of conduct to protect the spirit of cricket

Following the ball-tampering scandal that caused severe repercussions in the cricketing world, the International Cricket Council, is planning for a wide-ranging review of player behaviour and its Code of Conduct to safeguard the “spirit of the game”.

In a blog addressing the cricketing fraternity, ICC CEO Dave Richardson recalled the recent incidents of poor player behavior and the global repercussions to the ball-tampering saga.

“Enough is enough,” he wrote. “We will undertake a wide-ranging review into player behaviour, the spirit in which the game is played and the Code of Conduct.”

“The spirit of cricket is precious to our sport and so intrinsically linked with good behaviour – the turn of phrase ‘that’s just not cricket’ is not an accident. We must protect that spirit.”

The review, Richardson wrote, will be a collaborative effort of “some well respected former and current players along with the Cricket Committee, the MCC and match officials.”

It will focus on two things. “[F]irstly the Code of Conduct, reviewing the levels of offence based on seriousness, more clearly defining the conduct that constitutes each offence and reviewing the sanctions that should apply to each.”

“Secondly, we will consider the development of a spirit of cricket code which will define more clearly what it actually means to play the game in this day and age with a view to establishing a culture of respect in the game for the long term.”

“We need to be clear on what acceptable behaviour is and what isn’t and what the appropriate sanctions are when a player breaches the code. That may also mean strengthening sanctions to make them genuine deterrents.”

Kumble, Pollock to be part of new ICC panel

ICC is likely to include Allan Border, Shaun Pollock, Anil Kumble, Mahela Jayawardene and Richie Richardson in the panel, which it might announce during its meeting in Kolkata next month, The Times of India reported.

“Every team wants to win, but players can’t use dubious methods to gain victory,” the report quoted ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar as saying. “It is not in the spirit of the game. The ICC has taken a serious note of the events in Cape Town and plans to put together a group of former players of impeccable reputation.”

Manohar added, “The new panel will operate under the existing Code of Conduct, but will be free to suggest any action that it may deem fit. The penalty must be such that it deters all cricketers from indulging in such malpractices in future.”