PCB introduce new code of conduct for Pakistan players

KARACHI, (Reuters) – The Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced a revised code of conduct for its players in line with recommendations made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for stricter implementation of anti-corruption laws.

Pakistan’s squad must sign the new code before leaving for a Twenty20, one-day and test series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates later this month, manager Intikhab Alam told Reuters on Monday.

“The new code has been prepared keeping in mind recommendations made by the ICC. There is a lot more stress on creating awareness among players about anti-corruption laws and regulations,” Alam said, adding that the new guidelines also encompassed domestic cricket in Pakistan.

“We don’t want a repeat of what happened in England. I myself have given a detailed briefing to the players about the code of conduct,” he said.

Three Pakistan players — Test captain Salman Butt and pace duo Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif — have been suspended by the ICC while an investigation takes place into newspaper allegations they had deliberately arranged for no-balls to be delivered at during fourth Test against England at Lord’s in August.

The trio, who have all denied wrongdoing, will attend an appeal hearing in Doha on October 30 and 31.
Alam said that he had been given increased authority by the PCB to deal with indiscipline and misconduct.
“The board has made it clear in the new code that the manager will waste no time in stamping out indiscipline in the team,” he added.

Opener Shahzaib Hasan and pacer Wahab Riaz have been added to Pakistan’s Twenty20 and one-day squad to face South Africa.

Pakistan will play two T20 matches, five one-dayers and two tests against South Africa from October 26 as a ‘home’ series hosted by the United Arab Emirates.