Statement from ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed

The following is a statement from ICC Chief Executive following the conclusion of the Harbhajan Singh appeal hearing and subsequent publication of Code of Conduct Commissioner Justice John Hansen’s judgment:

“Justice Hansen’s judgment is a rigorous and independent document which clearly states the reasons for finding Harbhajan guilty of using abusive language against another player but not guilty of making a racist comment.

“The ICC endorses Justice Hansen’s view that the ICC Code of Conduct is a robust and sound process designed to ensure a fair hearing for players.

“As Justice Hansen rightly points out, Code of Conduct Commissioners carry out their functions independently of the ICC and all other interested parties. I would like to thank Justice Hansen for performing his duties under the code with all due professionalism and expertise.

“Justice Hansen makes the valid point that the appeal hearing was very different to that which occurred in front of the Match Referee Mike Procter. The fact the charge was downgraded from a Level 3.3 to Level 2.8 is not a reflection on the process or Mr Procter’s original finding.

“It is very unfortunate that human error led to Justice Hansen not having the full history of Harbhajan’s previous Code of Conduct breaches and the ICC accepts responsibility for this mistake.

“One thing that has come out of this is the need for players to review their on-field behaviour. In this case, it is clear that Harbhajan verbally abused an opponent having been provoked to do so by that opponent. This is not acceptable behaviour on the cricket field. I expect all players to use this was a wake-up call that on-field behaviour must improve.

“There are a number of issues that have arisen from this case and, once we have time to reflect fully on Justice Hansen’s report, we will address them. The issues will be raised directly with both the BCCI and Cricket Australia in this regard and a paper will be prepared for consideration by the ICC Board.”

The full text of the ICC Code of Conduct can be found at :-

http://in.yimg.com/icccricket/pdfs/code-of-conduct-for-players-and-officials.pdf