ICC issue anti-racism warning

The International Cricket Council have issued a warning that racism has no place in cricket following reports of racist behaviour by sections of the crowd during the recent one-day series between India and Australia.

ICC chief executive officer Malcolm Speed has urged countries to be true to the zero tolerance approach to racism detailed in the ICC's anti-racism code .

"If people are seen or heard behaving in a racist way then our message to the ground authorities and host boards is clear - find the culprits, throw them out and keep them out because racism has no place in our sport," Speed said.

"It is pleasing to hear that some offenders in Mumbai were ejected and that is the type of zero tolerance we want in relation to this despicable behaviour."

The ICC is to investigate the reported incidents at the ODI between Australia and India in Vadodara on October 11 and at the Wankhede Stadium on October 17 and has requested information from the the Board of Control for Cricket in India

ICC chief exec Malcolm Speed

"The BCCI has undertaken to obtain reports from independent sources concerning that match and we look forward to receiving those reports as soon as possible," said Speed.

"In the meantime, we are pleased to see the BCCI, in concert with Cricket Australia, has publicly condemned racism, as such behaviour has no place anywhere, least of all at a cricket ground."

Mr Speed said he had also received a response from the Pakistan Cricket Board to his letter asking for details of alleged racist abuse aimed at South Africa players and team officials in Lahore during the recent Test match.

"I have reiterated that we are keen to ensure that all aspects of the code are being carried out and if they are not then we will want to know why," he said.

"The latest version of the ICC anti-racism code was endorsed by the ICC board last November and if aspects of it are not proving effective or require amending then we need to know.

"It is up to each and every one of us - players, spectators and administrators - to ensure our great sport continues to known for those qualities of respect, tolerance, diversity and fair play and not for the hate-filled antics of a tiny minority."