Gibbs to appeal against ban

The South African board (CSA) has said Herschelle Gibbs will appeal against the two-Test ban imposed on him by the ICC for alleged comments made by him during the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan. The decision has led to the CSA's hearing of the issue being postponed till the ICC appeal process is completed.

The CSA's hearing, chaired by Judge Mervyn King, is to determine whether the alleged remarks were in breach of the Rules and Code of Conduct of Cricket South Africa. If found guilty, Gibbs would have breached the board's clauses on abuse "on the basis of race, religion, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin" and on "unbecoming conduct which brings the board or the game into disrepute".

"As the ICC findings and suspension have a bearing on CSA's disciplinary matter, I have postponed the hearing until after Herschelle Gibbs's appeal proceedings have been completed by the ICC", King said.

Gibbs comments came shortly before lunch on the fourth day of the Test. According to the ICC Rules, all fines and punishments are suspended till a decision is taken on the appeal. Gibbs had 24 hours to appeal against the ban handed down by Chris Broad, the match referee.

Gerald Majola, the chief executive of the South African board, said that the CSA's charges against Gibbs were laid before those of the ICC. "As Judge King has pointed out, the ICC procedures have a bearing on our own hearing and so no further statements will be forthcoming from CSA on this matter until after the ICC and our own disciplinary procedures have been completed," he said.