ICC, BCCI strike deal on Sehwag

The International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Friday arrived at a settlement to end their stand-off resulting from the punishments given to six Indian players by ICC match-referee Mike Denness in South Africa.

The breakthrough in the stalemate was achieved after hectic negotiations over telephone during the last three days.

According to BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, Virender Sehwag will not play in the Mohali Test against England, commencing on Monday, December 3.

Sehwag was given a one-match ban by Denness in the second Test against South Africa for excessive appealing. The ICC subsequently ruled he was ineligible for the first Test against England after the third Test against South Africa was declared 'unofficial'..

Shah also informed that the ICC has agreed to constitute a commission to review the punishments of Denness, which included harsh sanctions on five other players in the second Test against South Africa.

The ICC also agreed its executive board will discuss whether the third Test should now be declared an official match.

In view of the settlement, the proposed "final summit" between Dalmiya and the ICC chairman Malcolm Gray and chief executive Malcolm Speed in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday has been called off.

At Lord's on Friday, ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told newsmen: "I am very pleased. Let's hope we have a great Test series between these two great powerful cricketing nations [England and India] and let's hope that the great game of cricket comes out stronger.

"Whenever there's an issue like this there are strong emotions. But I'm happy with the result and I think Mr Dalmiya is happy with the result."

England's cricket board said it was delighted an agreement.

"I am delighted to hear this news. The decision is a victory for common sense," said chairman Lord MacLaurin, adding: "It will strengthen the ICC's authority and integrity as the world governing body for cricket, but the family of cricket is the real winner."

Tim Lamb, ECB chief executive, said, "This is good news for the millions of cricket followers worldwide and England's supporters.

"There is huge expectation about the series and I am delighted that the tour can now proceed as planned, and that the England team can continue their preparations for the first Test in Mohali without any further distractions."

Earlier report:
Hard bargaining on, says Dalmiya

The Mike Denness controversy

Mail Cricket Editor