ICC Cricket Committee Recommends Stricter Punishments for Ball-Tampering, Poor Behaviour

In yet another attempt to improve the on-field behaviour of the players, the International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (May 29), reiterated the match officials should have more authority during a game.

The ICC held a two-day meeting in Mumbai to discuss several reforms for the game. Early this year, the ball-tampering scandal during the South Africa-Australia Test had rocked the cricketing world. Not only that, the series witnessed several controversial moments. The likes of David Warner, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada received sanctions for their poor behaviour during the series.

The series culminated with Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft receiving bans from the head body and Cricket Australia for ball tampering. The sequence of events had left the governing body red-faced.

And now the ICC has given its nod to impose stricter punishments for the poor on-field behaviour. The Cricket Committee recommended giving greater authority and support to match officials.

“We had an excellent discussion around the issue of player behaviour. I’d like to thank Mike Gatting and David Boon for joining us and making valuable contributions,” said the committee head Anil Kumble said.

“The Committee echoed the sentiments of the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee and the ICC Board, and, as such, we have made a series of recommendations as part of the creation of a culture of respect we can all adhere to.

“The group felt that excessive personal abuse and ball tampering were serious offences in the game. And that should be reflected in the way in which they are dealt with. There was also strong support for giving the match officials more authority. And subsequently greater support around their decision making.”