Rashid Latif’s Abeyance From One Day Cricket

I hope by now every one would have discovered that Rashid Latif was ban for five games by the match referee Mike Proctor for allegedly claiming a catch, that had already been grounded, off of Yasir Ali’s bowling on the fourth day of the last test match between Pakistan and nature’s minnows Bangladesh in the great city of Multan.

"As captain a lot of responsibility falls on Rashid Latif and he committed a serious offence by claiming that (unfair) catch which constitutes unfair play and a level-three offence of ICC code of conduct (offensive and penalties). Therefore, Pakistani captain shall be banned for five one-day internationals," Mike Procter said.

Here is the definition of Level 3 offence in the I.C.C’s rules:

Level 3
The Offences set out at 3.1 to 3.4 below are Level 3 Offences. The penalty for a Level 3 Offence shall be
a ban for the player or match official concerned of between 2 and 4 Test Matches or between 4 and 8 ODI
Matches
3.1 Repeat of any Level 2 Offence within 12 months of such offence
3.2 Intimidation of an umpire or referee whether by language or conduct
3.3 Threat of assault on another player, Team Official or spectator
3.4 Using language or gestures that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.
Source: I.C.C’s official web site at:
http://www.cricket.org/link_to_database/NATIONA L/ICC/


It is clear that claiming an un-fair catch is not an offence, for sure not a level 3 offence. I think it should be considered a judgmental error, and that even on the part of an umpire. It’s almost impossible to determine if an unfair catch was a plain mistake or cheating and leaves it the subjective opinion of the referee.

We can’t avoid the argument of “but it’s against spirit of the game” or “it’s against the traditions of the game”. I do agree that it is against the spirit of the game, but we altogether ignore the fact that doing every thing based on centuries old tradition is a style akin to the English culture and might not be a prevalent way of life in other cultures. The very assumption that all those who play cricket will mysteriously adhere to the traditions developed in old merry England is the cause of most of these problems.

Today’s cricket has become a real TV attraction and TV money makes it possible for I.C.C to spread this great game in the all corners of the world. When so much money is involved and stacks are so high then so-called spirit-of-the-game is compromised for the win. Therefore expecting people to play the game like oldies did is making you a fool. I think rules of the game should state clearly what is wrong and what is right and that we should not basing decision of right and wrong merely on tradition.

I firmly believe that Rashid Latif did not do anything wrong, and yes I will support any other player doing the same in future. Simply because rules do allow an umpire to consult the TV umpire should he be in a doubt about the decision. After watching the reply I am amazed to see that umpire was so sure about the catch that he did not even consulted TV umpire (which he could have).

In this case I think the umpire, who is an ICC accredited and impartial authority, committed the blunder more than Rashid Latif and must have been the target of scrutiny.

Lets look at this issue from another perspective. If in future a batsman genuinely edged a ball into the safe hands of a fielder and umpire opted not to raise his finger. Latter the TV replays reveal that batsman certainly edged the ball. Now if the fielding team’s captain launches a complaint that the batsman is in breach of I.C.C code of conduct, so will I.C.C ban that batsman for five games too? I guess they should, as I don’t find this situation any different than that of Mr. Latif’s. You end up in such absurdities if you don’t go by the book.

There is an urgent need for a mechanism for the affected team to challenge an on-field decision and may be take away the option of consulting the TV umpire altogether and let the umpires make their decisions as they use to. I heard a rumor that such a proposal is under I.C.C’s considerations. Let’s see what comes out of this proposal.

What a great test series it was between England and South Africa, its always a great feat to level a test series against mighty South Africans especially after losing two test matches. Michael Vaughan has matured into a good captain and its good to see English team blossoming and becoming a serious threat.

Congratulations to Sussex on winning their first ever county championship they came close few times when great Khan (Imran Khan) used to play for them between 1977 and 1987. They always lacked a genuine spin attack that they found this time in little Mushi, a real spin wizard.

This time of the year in Denver the chilly breeze coming from the sky high Rockies reminds me that it’s the football season and “Are you ready for some football?” The hated Raiders are coming to the Mile High City, where Broncos run wild. If you have an interest in football you might want to plan to watch this week’s Monday night it sure will be a feast for your eyes. Go Broncos.