ICC to consider amended Anti-Racism Code

DUBAI: Implementation of an amended Anti-Racism Code will be the main agenda for discussion at the International Cricket Council Chief Executives' Committee two-day meeting beginning in Dubai on Sunday.

The Code was reviewed following allegations of racist abuse made against South Africa players during its tour of Australia and a review of those allegations by India's Solicitor General Goolam Vahanvati.

Vahanvati's report recommended amendments to the Code and further recommendations were produced by a working party made up of ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, and Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola.

The CEC and the ICC's Executive Board have already reviewed these recommendations at their meetings at Lord's in July and now the CEC will consider adoption and implementation of the amended Code.

The new Code, if adopted, will allow Members to impose a range of punishments on spectators found guilty of racial abuse, ranging from ejection from the venue to a life ban.

If Members themselves fail to uphold the Code and racist behaviour results then they could face penalties ranging from a warning through to fines and the possible withdrawal of international status from the venue where any incident took place.

Besides, the CEC will also consider a series of anti-racism policy initiatives, including the ICC commissioning an eminent lawyer to draft legislation dealing with racist behavior at cricket matches.

The ICC first adopted an Anti-Racism Code in 2003 and it was amended in 2005.