ICC wants to play facilitator to clear Boje, Gibbs' passage to India

New Delhi, May 31 (UNI) Sensing that the absence of Herschelle Gibbs and Nicky Boje would take some sheen off this year's Champions Trophy, ICC today announced it is ready to play the facilitator's role to enable the duo, wanted by Delhi Police in the match-fixing case, tour India.

''We would obviously like to play the facilitator's role even though it's principally a problem of two individual players. They are taking legal advice on steps to be taken but if we receive a request from the South African cricket board, we are willing to facilitate it,'' ICC General Manager (Cricket) Dave Richardson told reporters here today.

Richardson, himself a former stumper from South Africa, was in the capital to launch the official LG ICC PLayer Ranking website www.lgiccrankings.com.

Both Gibbs and Boje shunned the India tour after being named in the scandal and are unlikely to take part in this year's Champions Trophy if they are denied an amnesty.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed also discussed the issue with BCCI President Sharad Pawar and Mr Pawar, the Agriculture Minister, has also promised to use his good office to sort out the issue.

Talking on allowing team question on-field umpire's decision and refer that to third umpire, Richardson allayed fears that it would curtail the umpire's role.

''This is being put on trial and in July, the Chief Executive's Committee will dicuss the issue and we have consulted the umpires as well.

''So far, the issue has evoked mixed response and I should say it's 50-50. While some felt it was a great idea, some of the umpires think they are good enough and there is no need for further technical help. But as one puts it, we would like the umpires to be rectified, rather than crucified after making a wrong judgement,'' he added.

He also refused to attach much importance to Steve Bucknor's allegations that clips are doctored to project the umpires in bad light.

''I think the umpires are defensive by nature and it's natural going by the nature of the job. They hit the headlines only when they make a mistake, otherwise you don't read much about them. It's an extremely difficult job after all.'' Asked to single out the reason behind India's poor representation in the elite umpires panel, Richardson said, ''I think this is a challenge for the BCCI. They should have an infrastructure in place which would produce more quality international umpires. We keep track of all those who stand in international matches and more quality umpires mean more chances of making it to the elite panel.'' Earlier, launching the website, Richardson felt it would wet the appetite of those who love figures.

''Not everyone is like Glenn McGrath who can tell everything from his elephantine memory. Ask him about his 35th wicket and he would tell you that he was opening the attack and so-and-so were the batsmen and how he got them out. He has got hundreds of wickets but he has a system in his brain that remembers each and every dismissal,'' he added.

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