ICC bowls out racial abuse

Abuse: Racial abuse at cricket matches may result in fans being ejected or banned for life from venues in line with anti-racism laws adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

National boards failing to uphold the code may also be fined or have their grounds stripped of international status if racist incidents occur at their venues.

The amended code was adopted by the ICC at its two-day chief executives committee (CEC) meeting that ended on Monday.

"The adoption of the amended ICC anti-racism code is a further illustration of cricket's zero tolerance to racism," ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said in a statement.

"That is already enshrined in the ICC code of conduct where racism is considered one of the most serious acts that can be committed, with the possibility of a life ban for anyone found guilty of such an offence.

"Cricket is a sport which reflects the world's diversity with a range of races and religions all involved," he said.

"That diversity is something the game can be proud of and our anti-racism code is something that emphasises the commitment of all our members to maintaining and enhancing it." The ICC code was first adopted three years ago.

The issue flared earlier this year when the ICC held an inquiry into complaints by South Africa and Sri Lanka that players were the target of "racist taunts" during tours of Australia.

India's solicitor-general Goolam Vahanvati conducted a probe and delivered recommendations, which were further discussed by a group comprising Speed and the CEO's of Australian and South African boards. There have been other incidents of racism in international cricket. In February 2003, former Australian batsman Darren Lehmann was banned for five matches after passing a racist remark during a one-day game against Sri Lanka in Brisbane.

The meeting also decided to appoint a lawyer to prepare draft legislation to deal with racist behaviour at cricket matches, with national boards to take it up with their governments for adoption.

NEW DELHI, Tuesday Reuters