Woolmer faces ICC rap over umpire row by AFP

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Player:	RA Woolmer
Event:	VB Series 2004/05

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DateLine: 11th February 2005

 

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer could be fined or banned after the ICC said the South African was being reported for comments made about the umpires during his team's series against Australia.

 

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed reported Woolmer under Level 2.4 of the code of conduct which deals with "public criticism of, or inappropriate comment on a match related incident or match official" for comments detailed in several Australian newspapers on February 8.

 

The hearing will be dealt with by the Pakistan Cricket Board as the matter falls outside of the period of the series in question.

 

All Level 2 breaches carry a minimum penalty of 50 per cent of the player or official's match fee and a maximum penalty of their full match fee and/or a one Test match or two One-Day International match ban.

 

On Thursday, the ICC said it would consider a request by Pakistan for using two neutral umpires in one-day internationals.

 

ICC spokesman John Long confirmed the ICC had received a letter from the Pakistan Cricket Board following their disappointing tour of Australia, which was marred by a series of controversial umpire decisions.

 

The Pakistanis claim the umpiring during the one-day series heavily favored Australia and want one-day internationals to conform with Tests, in which neutral umpires have been mandatory since 2001.

 

Currently one-day internationals are controlled by one home and one neutral umpire.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)