17th July 2001

Letter To Umpires

Dear

I took up my duties as Chief Executive of the ICC last week. The ICC faces a very challenging task in becoming a widely respected sporting organisation that can sit proudly alongside other world governing bodies and I look forward to leading the game through this demanding process.

As you are very well aware, cricket has been through a difficult period over the past 18 months and it is now time to move the game forward.

There will inevitably be a number of issues that confront the game in the future and I intend to consult regularly with the umpires concerning these issues. At the same time, please feel free to contact me if there is any pressing matter that you wish to discuss with me.

One of the first things that I will be addressing is player behaviour and I have written to all of the captains, umpires and referees concerning this. I enclose a copy of my letter to the captains for your information.

I have been very pleased that a number of captains have spoken publicly of their intention to ensure that their teams play not only within the Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. There have, however, been a number of incidents in matches over the past 12 months that have fallen below an acceptable standard. I have no interest in dredging up past incidents, and I point no finger of blame, but it is time to ensure that, moving forward, all of us charged with protecting the reputation of our great game meet the high standards expected.

I would also add that I am concerned that some match officials have not always responded adequately to some of these incidents. As a result, there have been occasions when inappropriate behaviour has gone unpunished and other occasions when penalties have been inadequate to deal fully with the offence committed.

In my view, this has caused members of the cricket public to lose faith in the way in which we deal with disciplinary matters.

These are matters of judgement for you and your colleagues to decide in the course of carrying out your duties as umpires. But as a matter of general principle, I would suggest, that when inappropriate behaviour takes place, charges are laid under the provisions of the Code of Conduct. I can assure you that you will have my full support in dealing with matters of this kind.

I have also written to all referees suggesting that in serious matters, suspensions be imposed rather than suspended sentences, reprimands or fines.

I very much look forward to working with you during my time in this position. I seek your personal support to help realise the ICC's potential in taking our great game forward.

Yours sincerely

MALCOLM SPEED
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

© ICC