Swearing, verbal abuse and other unsportsmanlike behaviour is to be targeted after umpires were given new powers by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday. Umpires have been given new "police" powers to stamp out on-field bad behaviour, which could ultimately lead to players being banned for life.

The elite panel of umpires, who now officiate in all Test matches and one-day internationals, will be able to report players under four definitions, covering various aspects of abusive language and conduct.

In a statement issued from its Lord's headquarters, ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said: "We want international cricket to be tough and competitive, but we also want to improve its image with the public.

"Umpires have agreed to support this drive by clamping down on language and behaviour that falls below reasonable standards," he added.

"We are not trying to outlaw verbal exchanges between players, but spectators and viewers must not be exposed to crude, excessive language and gestures."

And ICC general manager Dave Richardson, the former South African wicketkeeeper, insisted: "The majority of cricketers are well behaved and play the game in the correct spirit.

"What we are doing with this initiative is clarifying the boundaries of behaviour for international cricket, in line with other major sports."

In the new regulations the ICC said: "It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between players in the course of play.

"Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, umpires will look to lay charges when this falls below an acceptance standard. In this instance, language will be interpreted to include gestures."

The four categories of offence are included in the new players' code of conduct but also apply to officials. Level one covers general use of bad language and obscene gestures, level two deals with "sledging" (fielders trying to distract the batsman by derogatory comments about his ability) while racial and ethnic abuse is included in levels three and four.

A level one penalty will range from an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to 50 percent of the player or official's match fee.

Those found guilty of a level two offence will be subject to a fine of between 50 percent of their match fee, up to their full match fee and/or a ban of one Test match or two one-day internationals.

Level three covers language of gestures that "offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin." Level four differs only in that it uses the phrase "seriously offends".

Penalties for level three offences will range from a ban of up to four Tests, or between four and eight ODIs.

But those found guilty of a level four penalty could be banned for five or more Tests, or even in extreme cases, life.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd