ICC calls for maturity in dealing with bowlers with potentially flawed actions

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed today called on the cricketing community to adopt a more mature attitude to dealing with bowlers reported under the ICC's process for the review of potentially flawed bowling actions in light of the reaction to the reporting of Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

Criticising the overly emotive response that often accompanies the reporting of a senior bowler such as Muralitharan, Speed said that it was essential that every case was properly dealt with on its merits.

"One of the less appealing aspects of cricket's history has been the over-reaction that seems to take place whenever a bowler is suspected of having an illegal action. There is a danger people will lose all sense of proportion and reason and let emotions override sense. Ultimately, this type of reaction acts to the detriment of both the player involved and to the game as a whole," said Mr Speed.

"The reality is that under the new process put in place by the ICC we are seeing that where problems are identified the intervention of suitably qualified experts helps address the concerns raised.

"We have seen this most recently in the case of fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed who is making a successful return to the Pakistan side after remedial work on his action.

"This most recent report has been made based on concerns relating to a specific delivery, not the entire bowling action of the player.

"It is particularly important that those people in positions of responsibility within the sport - the Boards, the captains and the players - lead the way on this issue.

"None of us should lose sight of the fact that the rules have been framed to protect the sport and the spirit of the game.

"The ICC has been asked by all its members to ensure that these rules are followed without fear or favour and we are ensuring that this happens.

"In the area of bowling actions, the ICC's revised two-stage process now provides the necessary safeguards to ensure that the laws are followed while also ensuring that any bowler who is reported is given the opportunity and expertise to address any concerns that may be identified."

For further information:

Brendan McClements
General Manager - Corporate Affairs
Mob + 44 (0) 7786 194974