Code of Conduct: More questions than answers

The Code of Conduct ratified at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) working committee meeting in Bangalore over the weekend has some interesting clauses. Two aspects, one on the use of cell phones and the other on players and officials going to the media call for special attention as there are loopholes in both.

The proposal in respect to mobile phones says "players or officials shall not use any communication equipment on/off the ground from the time they leave the hotel till the time they return to the hotel at the end of the game for the particular day, without the prior permission of the manager. No cell phone shall be carried to the ground either during practice sessions or on actual (match) days."

On the other point - the ban on players talking to the media - the code says "No player/team official shall make any unsubstantiated allegation against any player, team official or administrator (present or past) in public through the media or otherwise with respect to the breaches stated above and they shall not comment on any matter relating to the functioning of the board unless and until the said allegation is brought to the notice of the president in writing and a decision is reached by the board on that behalf. As far as possible, the board shall decide on the matters within a period of six months."

Is the board suggesting that the players/officials can use cell phones at the hotel? In that case, how will they keep tab on players and officials exchanging views or information which may be vital? The second rule on not allowing players to go public with their views or allegations has come a trifle too late for the damage has already been done. The rule covers only current players. What about past players who make comments freely and get away with it? Is there any rule for them?

Moreover, it is inappropriate for the code to say that the allegation should be brought to the notice of the president by a written complaint since it can give room for prejudices and help vested interests to settle personal scores through this forum. This is where the Government should step in to make the necessary changes in the code and insist upon the BCCI to appoint a watchdog committee which is independent from the board's purview and the members of this committee should not hold any office in the board or any of its affiliates.