BCCI approves code of conduct

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) banned players and team officials from betting on any matches and said they would be debarred from playing for a minimum of five years.

"As a maximum penalty, they shall be debarred from playing or holding such positions for the rest of their life, or fine as assessed in the light of actual circumstances, and shall also include forefeiture of benevolent fund and benefit matches," the code said. "In such event, the records, achievements made by them in their respective fields will be removed from the official records of the board, making them ineligible to make such claims thereafter."

The code of conduct was unveiled amid a shocking match-fixing scandal that rocked cricket involving top Indian and foreign players. The scandal erupted in April when Delhi police slapped match-fixing charges against now-disgraced South African captain Hansie Cronje and three of his team-mates.

The BCCI also disallowed players and team officials from using any "communication equipment on or off the ground from anytime they leave the hotel till the time they return to the hotel after the game for a particular day" without the prior permission of the manager.

"No cellphone shall be carried to the ground either during practice session or on actual match days," it said. The report said the entire foreign exchange earned "except daily allowences on tour, shall have to be accounted for and deposited with the board immediately on their return."

It also prohibited any player from publishing any matter relating to any strategy "nor express views in the the media. Only the captain and the coach can do that."

The conduct also barred any player or team official from "engaging in any activity prejudicial to the board" and made it compulsory for all players to attend match practice.

"The player or team official shall not be accompanied by any other person, except their wife, without getting prior approval of the board," the code said.

"Without the board's approval no player shall invite anyone to the dressing room ... and shall disclose gifts received in excess of 50,000 rupeesdollars) within 15 days," it said.

The board said it would slap a fine of 100,000 rupees or a ban of up to five or eight one day internationals or three test matches if players violate the code.

Mail Cricket Editor