ICC welcomes Australian players' commitment to spirit of cricket

The International Cricket Council today welcomed the move by the Australian players to make a strong public commitment to the Spirit of Cricket.

ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the initiative of Cricket Australia and the Australian players in preparing and publishing the "Spirit of Australian Cricket" emphasised yet again the importance of the unique nature of the game.

"Cricket is a sport with a unique spirit that sets it apart from other sports. Everyone involved with the sport be it as a player, official or administrator has a role to play in accepting this and ensuring that they do everything in their power to uphold the values of the game," said Mr Speed.

"The Spirit of Australian Cricket published today is consistent with the Spirit of Cricket that is published by the ICC and with the Codes of Conduct that are in place to regulate the sport.

"The willingness of the Australian team and Cricket Australia to reflect on the spirit of the game and to identify how it applies to them and what it means for them is to be applauded.

"I think this very public commitment makes a clear statement about the importance placed on this aspect of the sport by the number one team in the sport.

"It sends a very strong message to others involved in cricket when the best team in the world is prepared to say this is what we believe in and we are prepared to be judged by our ability to uphold these beliefs."

Mr Speed also welcomed the broader initiatives taken by Cricket Australia to in its national Spirit of Cricket program.

"The program developed by Cricket Australia will help promote the importance and relevance of the Spirit of Cricket from the elite level through to the grass-roots of the game in Australia.

"By ensuring that all levels of the game are aware of and are faithful to the Spirit of Cricket, Cricket Australia is looking to ensure that the sport is protected for future generations."

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