LONDON, Nov 23: The unprecedented row over the sacking of match referee Mike Denness for the third Test between South Africa and India is unlikely to affect England’s current tour of India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told Reuters: “I wouldn’t see this having an impact on the England tour.

“There’s a bit of water to flow under the bridge at the moment but I don’t see any impediment.”

Speed, asked if India and South Africa could be censured by the ICC for their defiance in going ahead with the match, said: “There’s no direct provision. That’s a matter for the (ICC) executive board. I’m sure this whole saga will be hotly debated at the next meeting in March.”

England are currently in India for a three-test series starting next month. They return in the new year for a five-match one-day series.

The English team had already expressed concern over the trip before their departure earlier this month, with several players worried about security following the attacks on the U.S. and the ensuing events in war-torn Afghanistan.

Speed added of Thursday’s controversy: “Yes, it’s unprecedented. I feel acute disappointment but cricket is very strong and resilient and it will come through this.”

He also flatly rejected suggestions by Jagmohan Dalmiya, head of the Indian cricket board — and the former head of the ICC — that he had acted beyond his powers in announcing that the Centurion game would be reduced from test to mere first-class status.

“I disagree with him. I believe I can (do it) and I have done it, with the authority of the president of the ICC, who I spoke to today,” he said.—Reuters