ICC chief seeks BCCI, PCB reply on racism reports

Dubai, Oct 14 (UNI) The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Malcolm Speed has sought both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) comments on the recent reports of racism during Vadodara ODI and Lahore Test earlier this week.

''We have noted media reports of racist chanting during the India-Australia ODI in Vadodara on Thursday and also of racist abuse directed at South Africa players and team officials in Lahore.

''In the light of those reports we have written to both the BCCI and the PCB (on Saturday) asking for their comments on the incidents,'' Speed said in a release.

He also clarified that it is up to the host nation to put in place ICC's Anti-Racism Code as the game's govrning body adheres to a zero tolerance policy on racism.

''The ICC retains a zero tolerance to racism as illustrated in our Anti-Racism Code which was strengthened last year following consultation with our Members and the ICC Board.

''The Code outlines measures host Members are expected to undertake and those measures were unanimously approved by the ICC's Board,'' The ICC chief said.

''We need to understand whether those measures are working.

If they are not then our Members need to tell us why so we can ensure cricket remains free from the scourge of racism,'' he added.

Speed also said that in the coming ICC Board meeting later this month, racism and the ways to address the menace in the game would be a matter of discussion.

''With the ICC Board set to meet in Dubai at the end of this month there is scope for discussion on this subject then, if appropriate, to ensure it is properly addressed on an ongoing basis,'' he said.

UNI