ICC highlights importance of respect for umpires

In a letter to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Referees, the International Cricket Council today reinforced the importance of ensuring that players respect the role and responsibilities of umpires.

Following on from the actions of Match Referee Mike Procter to address instances of players of celebrating a wicket without waiting for an umpire's decision during the Third Test between Australia and India, ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed is now highlighting this issue with all 16 members of the Emirates Elite Panel.

"The ICC's Code of Conduct is in place to provide players with a simple guide to the way in which the game should be played and they are expected to have read the Code, have understood it and to act at all times within the spirit of the game," says Mr Speed in the letter.

"In particular this applies to the courtesy and respect that is afforded to umpires during the course of a match.

"While I do not believe that there is a concerning deterioration in this area, the issue that arose in the Melbourne Test recently highlighted the importance of reinforcing this crucial aspect of the spirit of the game.

"Umpires have the critical role of ensuring that each match is played in the right spirit and they must ensure that the actions of players are consistent with the standards expected of them as ambassadors of the game.

"For the avoidance of doubt the issue of celebrating a wicket without waiting for an umpire's decision should be dealt with as excessive appealing which is Level 1.5 of the Code."

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