ICC should sort out ball tampering issue: Shane Bond

Chennai, Sep 1 (UNI) ''It's for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to sort out the issue.'' That's how Kiwi paceman Shane Bond reacted when asked about the views expressed in some quarters on the need for removal of Clause 21 on ball tampering.

The issue reared its ugly head during Pakistan's tour of England recently when controversial Aussie umpire Darrell Hair and his colleague Billy Doctrove removed the bails, signalling the end of the match, after Pakistan refused to take to the field in protest against the umpires' decision to penalising them for alleged ball tampering.

Quoting Law 21.3, the Umpires said Pakistan had forfeited the match.

Since then, a number of views had been expressed that the controversial Law 21 (pertaining to ball tampering) should be done away with, to give that extra edge to the bowlers.

When asked for his views, Shane Bond, who was here in connection with a promotional event for Nike along with Indian speedster Sreesanth, said 'I have not thought about it. It's for the ICC to sort it out after holding discussions with umpires, match referees and players'.

Sreesant said he had not come across such a situation. 'Whatever the umpires say has to be followed', he added.

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