'Tougher sanctions proposed for players' poor behaviour, ball tampering

Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee of the ICC today called for greater sanctions for players indulging in bad behaviour and ball tampering.

Led by the former India captain, the committee urged the world cricket's governing body to take tough measures and restore the "culture of respect" among competing teams and its players.

The committee comprises former international captains such as Mike Gatting, Mahela Jayawardene, current international coach Mike Hesson (New Zealand) and former Australia opener and match referee David Boon.

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They further agreed that it is important for the host nations to prepare quality pitches keeping the World Test Championship in mind.

"Acknowledging that the preparation of Test pitches that could provide a risk to the competitiveness of the ICC World Test Championship, the Committee urged Members to continue to focus on the delivery of pitches that provide a better balance between bat and ball in line with ICC regulations."

Ball tampering issue which saw Australia's former captain Steve Smith and his former deputy David Warner being suspended for one year due to their involvement in the scandal in South Africa was also highlighted.

"We had an excellent discussion around the issue of player behavior and I'd like to thank Mike Gatting and David Boon for joining us and making valuable contributions, Kumble said.

"The Committee echoed the sentiments of the ICC Chief Executives' Committee and the ICC Board, and, as such, we have made a series of recommendations as part of the creation of a culture of respect we can all adhere."

Some of the suggestions with regards to Code of Conduct included

1)Raising the sanctions associated with ball tampering.

2)Creating a new offence for offensive, personal, insulting, offensive or orchestrated abuse

3)The consideration of the introduction of a new offence of attempting to gain an unfair advantage

4)Creating a Code of Respect

5) Match referee to have the authority to downgrade or upgrade a level of offence or sanction.

The committee also raised concern about excessive personal abuse.

"The group felt that excessive personal abuse and ball tampering were serious offences in the game and that should be reflected in the way in which they are dealt with. There was also strong support for giving the match officials more authority and subsequently greater support around their decision making," Kumble said.

In the meeting, the committee also announced that the toss will remain the fundamental starting point of the match.