Ruling against Akhtar unfair — Dalmiya

“The entire footage should be reviewed and not just part it of it,” Dalmiya told reporters last night giving reasons for his clearing Akhtar alongwith ICC cricket committee chairman Sir Clyde Walcott which has led to severe criticism by the ICC Throwing Panel that had slapped a one-month ban.

Asked whether clearing Akhtar did not amount to interference in the ICC Throwing Panel’s functioning, he said, “We do not want to interfere, but there should be a proper policy, principle and procedures to be followed.”Calling for framing of proper guidelines to handle the ticklish issue, Dalmiya said the issuewill be discussed at the ICC executive meeting slated for February 9-10 next in Singapore.

Tremors in Australia
MELBOURNE: Top Australian officials expressed concern on Tuesday about the precedent set by ICC president and Sir Clyde Walcott in overturning a ban imposed on Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar.

Australian Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Denis Rogers told a newsconference that he did not oppose Akhtar’s right to play but was concerned about the way he was reinstated after an ICC panel had seen fit to suspend him.“I am worried about the processes involved and the precedent it sets,” Rogers said.

“Vetoes are dangerous and that is why I want to see how this process worked. I don’t understand the process involved.”

Akhtar was suspended for a month by the ICC’s advisory panel which ruled that his action, particularly his bouncer and extra-fast delivery, amounted to throws rather than being bowled.

But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appealed and Dalmiya and Sir Clyde lifted theban, apparently without consulting the panel, allowing Akhtar to play for Pakistan in the triangular series which started in Brisbane on Sunday.

Rogers said he had tried to secure an explanation from the ICC president but had failed.

“I’m happy to have it explained to me, and I’ve left no stone unturned in trying to get in contact with Mr Dalmiya, but I’ve had no luck,” Rogers said.

Rogers also defended umpires, saying they should have the right to no ball players for throwing, rather than refer them to the ICC. “We should never stop umpires umpiring,” he said.

Former Australian captain Bob Simpson, one of the members of the panel that decided to slap the ban on Akhtar on December 30 expressed dissatisfaction with the ICC top brass overruling the throwing committee’s decision.

“There will be questions asked and we hope to have some answers,” Simpson said adding there was total consensus in the panel while arriving at the decision to bar Akhtar and review his action after a month.

“The votewas eight out of eight. It was unanimous. I am nonplussed by this latest development,” he said. Simpson defended the present system by praising the throwing committee as an excellent body and said there should be no problems provided procedure was followed.

“It has worked in the past without trouble. The members are working well together, most diligently and professionally, and I think it is necessary in the interests of the game”.

Sir Cyde is a member of the committee, alongwith England Test umpire Nigel Plews, and a representative from each of the nine Test-playing nations.When the teleconference to decide on Akhtar was held by ICC, India, Pakistan and Zimbabwe were not represented. On Sunday, in the Australia-Pakistan encounter, Australian umpires Darryl Harper and Peter Parker did not call Akhtar for chucking .