Gibbs appeals against ban

Herschelle Gibbs has appealed against the two-Test ban imposed by the ICC, claiming that he had not made any racist remarks during the first Test against Pakistan at Centurion. Gibbs communicated his appeal through the South African Cricketers Association.

"Gibbs says he has not made any racist remarks nor has he been racist to any one and therefore he has not transgressed any rule of the ICC regarding racism," Tony Irish, secretary of the South African Cricketers Association, said. Irish added that the association was also concerned about the negative effects of stump microphones, as far as the privacy of players is concerned.

With the ban suspended till the ICC takes a decision on the appeal, Gibbs could still play in the second Test at Port Elizabeth starting January 19. The disciplinary hearing with Cricket South Africa, originally scheduled for January 23, is likely to be held between the second and third Tests. The ICC has announced that the name of the Appeals Commissioner and the date for the appeal will be announced in due course.