The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the arrival today of a videotape from the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) featuring the Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar in the game between Western Australia and Pakistan played on 27 October.
The videotape was provided to the ACB by WACA Director of Umpiring, Rick Evans, who confirmed today that it was provided at his instigation and without any complaint from either of the two WA umpires Ross Emerson and Terry Prue.
ACB Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the issues surrounding illegal deliveries are difficult and raise strong emotions and reactions. For this reason there are critically important processes in place to address the issue of player actions, he said.
“Only the umpires involved in the game in question had the authority to raise any concerns,” said Mr Speed.
As a result, he advised the ACB would not be jeopardising the integrity or fairness of the recently strengthened ICC processes by taking any action concerning the tape.
“There are few more serious allegations in cricket than accusing a bowler of throwing.” said Mr Speed.
“Given the seriousness of such allegations, the ACB and the ICC have clear and rigorous processes to deal with them. These have built in safeguards to ensure that the matter is dealt with effectively and, most importantly, with absolute fairness to all parties concerned.
“These systems are the cornerstone on which a proper investigation of such matters can take place and are strongly supported by the ACB.
“In this case, the umpires in charge of the match were the sole judges of the fairness or otherwise of all bowlers’ actions. They have made their decision and no issues have been raised,” said Speed.
The ICC process will apply to the Ansett Australia Test Series and the Carlton & United Series. Akhtar will take the field in the First Ansett Test Match starting on Friday at the Gabba in Brisbane with an Australian umpire, an International Umpire and an ICC referee all empowered to raise any concerns.
Mr Speed went on to say that in light of these facts, the ACB saw no reason to question the umpires’ decision or to refer the tape to the ICC for action.
“Ultimately, any action concerning a player of a foreign team is a matter for the umpires, the team’s Board and the ICC,” said Mr Speed
“As a matter of course, we will advise the ICC that a tape has been received by us but that it does not fall clearly within their jurisdiction.
“In addition, we have been in consultation with the Pakistan Team Manager and will also be sending him a copy of the tape.
“Apart from this, there is no compelling reason to take any action,” said Mr Speed.
According to Mr Evans, the videotape was produced so that “the ACB would be able to address a concern that may arise in the future.”
| Test Teams | Australia, Pakistan. |
| Players/Umpires | Ric Evans, Ross Emerson, Terry Prue, Shoaib Akhtar. |
| Tours | Pakistan in Australia |
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