Imran slams ICC for 'policing' officials

Pakistani cricketing legend has lashed out at ICC's move to bar honorary cricket officials from questioning wrong umpiring decisions.

Pakistan cricket legend Imran Khan on Tuesday lashed out at the International Cricket Council's (ICC) move to bar honorary cricket officials from questioning wrong umpiring decisions, saying it was "over policing".

HT Image

"ICC should concentrate on disciplining the players, coaches and managers who are directly involved, even the heads of the boards can be checked but restricting officials like selectors is over policing," Khan told AFP.

"Barring officials from criticising does not make any sense, how will then the game improve," he said.

"I think ICC's plans to include selectors in its code of conduct is over the top."

Khan's comments come after ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed warned chief Pakistani selector Wasim Bari over his outburst against English umpire David Shepherd during Pakistan's 17-run defeat against Australia in the tight tri-series final at Amstelveen, Holland, late last month.

Bari called for 63-year-old Shepherd to retire after he adjudged captain Inzamam-ul Haq and Yousuf Youhana out, derailing Pakistan's victory march.

Speed in a letter to Bari said his comments were "inflammatory" and "out of order."