Hick receives suspended ban for showing dissent

Media Release issued through the Acting Chief Executive of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL)

At the end of the day's play on the fourth day of the First Test Match between Sri Lanka and England at the Galle International Stadium, a hearing was conducted by the ICC Match Referee, Mr Hanumant Singh, in the presence of Mr Anura Tennakoon, Acting Chief Executive of the BCCSL, Umpire Peter Manuel, Umpire A.V. Jayaprakash, Mr Duncan Fletcher, Head Coach of the England team, and Mr Graeme Hick.

With regard to the dissent shown by Graeme Hick when given out which is a violation of ICC Code Number 3.

Mr Hick admitted his actions, explaining in detail the situation and the reasons for his behaviour, and seemed sincerely apologetic about it.

Dissent with the Umpires' decision is a serious offence needing sterner action. However, considering his past record, and his sincerity, together with the specific incidents during the game and the situation on both sides, and to set the right tone for the rest of the series, I have decided to issue a suspended sentence of one-match suspension effective from tomorrow to the end of this England Tour of Sri Lanka 2001 (26th February 2001 - 28th March 2001)

H.Singh