ICC surprised at Majola comments

ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, today said that he was surprised at the suggestions made yesterday by UCB Chief Executive Gerald Majola in relation to the application of the ICC Code of Conduct.

"It is difficult for me to respond directly to what Mr Majola has said as he has elected to raise a concern without providing any specific evidence to support his comments," said Mr Speed.

"In light of the work that has been done in relation to the ICC Code of Conduct and the involvement of all countries in this I can only assume that his concerns have arisen during the South African tour of Pakistan where several South African players have appeared before the match referee.

"The ICC Code of Conduct was discussed at great length at the ICC's June board meeting and was strengthened as a result of concerns identified then.

"The performance of the Emirates Elite Panel was then discussed at the most recent Cricket Committee Management meeting in September and there were no concerns raised by South Africa at this time.

"Upholding the Code is also a shared responsibility.

"While umpires are at the frontline of enforcing the Code it is recognised that they are human and may occasionally miss reporting an incident. For this reason there is a safeguard in the Code that allows several other people, including each Team Manager, to report potential breaches to the match referee.

"No report has been lodged by the South African team at any stage from any game about any incident since the current tour began.

"In relation to the timing of the most recent reports, hearing and suspensions it is without doubt that this action has been taken in full accordance with the timings and processes laid down within the Code.

"While I can understand that South Africa would be disappointed at having two players suspended for a crucial game, this was as a result of the players actions, not of a failure of the Code."

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