Nidahas Trophy dilemma causes ICC to discuss player behavior

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken cognisance of the declining standard of player behaviour in recent times at international match venues — grounds and dressing rooms in particular — and it has decided to discuss the matter at its quarterly board meeting in Kolkata on April 26.

“Player rancour and outbursts have become a serious concern for the administrators and discussions have already taken place on this particular problem,” said a source privy to the developments.

The ICC could come down heavily on players and teams in the immediate future.

ICC’s CEO and company secretary Iain Higgings has listed “player behaviour” as one of the major items on the agenda for the meeting. ICC chief executive Dave Richardson has already prepared a report on player behaviour.

Sources told The Hindu that the ICC is upset at the behaviour of the Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan and his team during the Nidahas Trophy Twenty20 league match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on March 16.

Shakib asked the two batsmen in the middle to return to the pavilion following an umpiring decision. Reserve player Nurul Hasan was also seen quarrelling with Sri Lanka captain Thisara Perera.

The team also broke the dressing room door

The ICC docked a fine of 25% on Shakib and Nurul’s match fee. They were also given one demerit point for bringing the game to disrepute.

Taking note

The ICC has also taken note of the staircase incident involving South African Quinton de Kock and Australian David Warner during the first Test in Durban in March. Both the teams were told that the incident was not in the spirit of the game.

The ICC CEO is expected to present a report on the ball-tampering issue during the Cape Town Test between South Africa and Australia. After the incident the ICC decided to form a special committee comprising former distinguished Test players to review the ICC Player Code.

Selection of chairman

The Board will also consider the procedure to choose its independent chairman for 2018-2020.

The current practice of asking each of the 16 present ICC board members to nominate a person from a list of eligible 50-odd present and past directors of the ICC is likely to continue.

The present chairman Shashank Manohar is eligible for another term.

The election will take place at the ICC’s annual conference in June.