ICC promises to 'look into' BCCI's demand

The International Cricket Council took the position that it could do "very little" about the Board of Control for Cricket in India's demand for sacking ICC match referee Mike Denness, but promised to "look at it".

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed told Star News in Bombay, "We will wait till we get to London and see what the ICC's position is."

He went on to add, "There is very little we can do. But we will look very hard at the requests from the BCCI."

Speed's comments were the first reaction from the game's governing body to the demand made by the BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya on Tuesday that Denness, who has imposed harsh penalties on six Indian players, currently playing in South Africa, be replaced for the third and final India-South Africa Test later this week. Alternatively the BCCI wants his decision to be put on hold.

Indicating that the ICC would find it difficult to accept the BCCI's demands, Speed said, "There are rules, there are regulations. They are very clearly set out. If we make exceptions in every case there is no point in having rules."

At the same time he left open the possibility of finding a way out by stating, "We will look at it (BCCI request) and will do what we can."

Defending Denness against criticism for not answering any questions on his action, Speed said, "He is not to comment on matters in the course of the match. So do not be too critical of him for that. He is not permitted to make comment."

Also read:
Mike Denness, put up or shut up!

India's tour of South Africa : Complete coverage

Mail Cricket Editor