ICC favours strong stance against player behaviour

The International Cricket Council Cricket Committee has recommended strong action against inappropriate player behaviour during its two-day meeting in Mumbai, an ICC release said on Monday.

The ICC looked concerned over the increasing numbers of send offs and has asked match officials to use suspension rather than fine. “The committee supported the stronger stance being taken against inappropriate player behaviour, and was concerned at the increasing number of send-offs. It also encouraged referees to apply suspensions rather than fines, more specifically for repeat offenders and for the more serious offences, such as physical contact,” said the release after the meeting concluded on Saturday.

The committee has also recommended staging of Test matches that extend into evening hours. “Day-Night Test matches were discussed at length. The Cricket Committee also received a report from the MCC on the four-day First Class match played with pink balls in Abu Dhabi in March, and viewed the condition of the balls used in that match,” said the  release. The committee has also asked the member countries to look for opportunities to stage day-night test matches.

“As a result of these discussions, there will be a strong recommendation from the Cricket Committee to member countries that they should identify opportunities to play Test matches that extend into the evening hours,” the release said.