Like players, match officials to follow code of conduct

PCB takes umpires under its domain, sets lengthy bans in case of violation .

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented a code of conduct for match officials, taking them in its domain following Asad Rauf’s name being mentioned during the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal. 

In the aftermath of the scandal, the police refused to confirm whether Rauf was being investigated but the Pakistan umpire’s name being mentioned among the alleged culprits disturbed followers nevertheless.

The idea was first floated by suspended PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf, who said the board will set new rules to bring national umpires under its domain.

Under the new code of conduct, local umpires will have to sign a contract with the board and will have to acquire a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) before officiating matches.

According to a PCB official, the code of conduct was prepared as per the directives of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“It’s similar to the one the players have to follow,” said the official. “Umpires will not be allowed to share any kind of details, neither will they be allowed to use social networking websites during assignments.

“They will now have to obtain an NOC from the PCB. The punishment or sanction in case of violation ranges from a minimum ban of two to 15 years.”

Rauf snubbed by PCB

The board snubbed Rauf as it recommended three names for the ICC Elite Panel of umpires.

Rauf was recently removed from the elite panel list with the ICC citing poor performance as the reason.

The names sent by the PCB include Ahsan Raza, Shozeb Raza and Zameer Haider, who will be considered in the ICC umpires’ meeting on July 15 in Nagpur.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2013.

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