May 27, 2003	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 24,1424

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LAHORE, May 26: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its displaesure over the implementation of laws formulated in International Cricket Council (ICC)’s Players’ Code of Conduct, especially in the light of Shoaib Akhtar’s being caught ball-tampering in Sri Lanka.

PCB’s chief executive, Ramiz Raja, said on Monday that the interpretation of laws of ICC was not being implemented  universally and observed there appeared to be a different set of rules for cricketers.

“I do not want to defend the antics of Shoaib because his action  was  discouraging for Pakistan cricket and that too  at  a time when we are trying to introduce a new culture in  the  new team.  He has been reprimanded,” Ramiz said in a statement.

Ramiz quoted the recent on-field incidents in other  international matches which were not reported.

“The recent on-field skirmishes in the West Indies failed  to stimulate the ICC officials  compared  to  the  ball tampering  episode of Shoaib that has been given  credence even though proper rules and procedures were not followed.

 “Ball tampering is a Level 2 offence. So is sledging. Both rules are to be interpreted by the match referee.  In the West  Indies recently it was proved beyond doubt that there was a  just and undeniable case of a Level 2 offence regarding sledging, involving  Glenn McGrath and Ramnaresh Sarwan.  Surprisingly,  no action was taken either by the umpires or the match referee.”

In case of Shoaib the match referee had relied heavily on TV pictures  whereas the McGrath/Sarwan case with TV evidence was a misdemeanour and deemed not fit for reporting as Level 2 offence.

Ramiz mentioned that this matter would be discussed at  the ICC meetings in London next month.