The ICC has formally announced that sledging on the cricket field has now been banned* with immediate effect. The decision was arrived at after a thorough analysis of the indecent scene created by the Indian players during the One day international match against the Australians at the Sydney on 24th of February, 2008. The ban, of course, is subject to the following terms and conditions:
*Terms and Conditions apply
Terms and Conditions
With immediate effect, India should stop giving back to the Aussies in their own coin, else, strict action shall be taken against the offending players for violating the spirit of the game**.
Australia will continue to sledge whenever, wherever and howsoever they wish to. This will not be against the spirit of the game, but in fact be a part of the game. ‘Hard Cricket’, as the great ones call it.
Umpires will be neutral. However, as and when Ricky Ponting desires, he will interfere and ask the umpires to do as he wishes. This he will do in order to maintain the spirit of the game**.He may then go on and say to the press, “These are minor issues and happen on the field all the time. But Symonds said so in response and he did not provoke it.” Videos suggesting otherwise shall not be considered by the referee.
Indians will be expected to maintain the highest values in the spirit of the game**. Failing this, the offending players will be: a) Banned or b) Penalised or c) Both a & b
Australians will be expected to maintain the highest values in the spirit of the game**. Failing this, the offending players will be : a) Not banned or b) Not penalised or c) Lauded for their ‘hard cricket’ d) or a, b & c
**The term ’spirit of the game’ carries multiple meanings. The meaning that suits the Australians the best in a given situation shall be in force.
For any further clarifications on the new set of rules, please feel free to contact Ricky Ponting or Andrew Symonds.
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