Ball-Tampering Threatens 'Cricket's DNA', Says ICC's CEO David Richardson

Though the time has passed, the criticism received by the Australian board Cricket Australia (CA) due to the ball-tampering saga, is making headlines often than not. Meanwhile, ICC’s chief David Richardson delivers a lecture at annual MCCSpirit of CricketCowdrey Lecture at Lord’s on Monday.

During his lecture, Richardson termed that the recent ball-tampering issue which surfaced in South Africa is a threaten to cricket’s DNA. He added the severe punishments will help in eradicating the negativity from gentleman’s game cricket.

Cricket’s DNA is based on integrity: David Richardson

The chief went on to say that the latest ball-tampering incident has threatened the integrity of cricket. David opined that the unnecessary physical contacts and the sledging is degrading the game.

He wants a fair game to gain back the trust from the audience. David added that the players need to obey the rules and follow them without fail.

“Cricket’s DNA is based on integrity. But we have seen too much behaviour of late that puts that in jeopardy and this has to stop,” Richardson said.

 

“Sledging that amounts to no more than personal abuse, fielders giving send-offs to batsmen who have been dismissed, unnecessary physical contact, players threatening not to play in protest against an umpire’s decision and ball tampering. This isn’t the version of our sport that we want to project to the world,” he added.

ICC CEO David Richardson explains ball-tampering:

Richardson said he is utterly surprised when few cricketers questioned about chewing gum and wearing sunscreens. He added that anything which is used to change the condition of the ball would be a ball-tampering.

“Over the last few months, I have read comments from players requesting guidance what is allowed in relation to the ball. They have asked if they can chew gum, wear sunscreen or drink a sugary drink. To be brutally honest I find this a little disingenuous. The laws are simple and straightforward: Do not change the condition of the ball using an artificial substance,” he added.

 

“If you are wearing sunscreen, sucking a mint or chewing gum with the intent of using the cream or the sugary saliva on the ball you are ball-tampering,” David concluded.

However, the lecture delivered by ICC boss David Richardson went finely with all the officials doing the honours. Meanwhile, the rules for ball-tampering and player’s code of conduct is up for modification.