The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today launched a campaign to prevent the pitch invasions which marred a number of international matches last summer.

The new initiative called 'keep off the pitch' includes a logo for use on replay screens at matches and on posters at grounds throughout the summer. The campaign will make its debut at the first npower Test match at Lord's on 16th May.

The ECB has worked closely with ground authorities, the Police and the Government following the Report and Recommendations of the Cricket Disorder Review Group issued in September 2001. The Group was formed following pitch invasions at certain international matches last summer, and included representatives from all organisations involved in the staging and policing of major cricket events.

The Group made 11 recommendations, many of which have been introduced for the 2002 international season, one of which was for a campaign of this kind.

Tim Lamb, ECB Chief Executive said "We do not want a repetition of the crowd disorder which disrupted some of our international matches last year, and this campaign is one of many steps we have taken to ensure that spectators and players can enjoy matches in safety. The Police are now being urged by the Association of Police Officers to arrest people under the Public Order Act for pitch incursion which could result in a fine of £1,000. It is one of the provisions of the Public Order Act that spectators are made fully aware that the very act of coming on to the playing area is an offence. We believe the logo is a powerful way to communicate this message".

"England are looking forward to a great summer of international cricket and we want spectators to be able to watch matches in safety without a minority spoiling the day's entertainment for the majority".

The ECB appointed Milton Bayer, a Northampton-base creative agency to design the 'keep off the pitch' logo.

© ECB