ICC lays down strict anti-racism code
The International Cricket Council has laid down elaborate guidelines in its anti-racism code and any breach of the code, introduced in March this year, will invite punitive action.
The action ranges from ejection from the ground to imposition of life ban on the errant spectator, who indulges in racist comments, taunts and similar despicable actions, from entering that cricket ground.
In addition, the spectator's image would also be captured on photos and video cameras to assist in criminally prosecuting the person and the ICC has instructed the match staging centres to implement these measures.
"ICC and all its members shall ensure that ground officials and stewards at all international match ground venues are trained to take action against racist chanting and abuse," the code states.
"In this regard the member, hosting the relevant fixture will liase with the Chief Executive Officers of the participating member teams to ensure that the host member is made fully aware of specific terms and phrases which are particularly offensive to the participating members."
In the last rubber held in India against Australia, the visiting team's all rounder Andrew Symonds was taunted by "monkey" chants from a section of the crowd at Vadodara and Mumbai which was objected to by the Australian team.
The two member boards' chiefs then prepared a joint statement against racism in cricket.
Additional measures put in place through the anti-racism code includes printing of messages to convey the ICC's policy on members' passes and match tickets, signs displayed prominently inside the ground and on electronic scoreboard etc.
Members who host international ties and do not implement all of the relevant portions of the anti-racism code may be "reported in accordance with the ICC Disciplinary Code", it stated.
Under the ICC's Disciplinary process, a range of penalties may be imposed including warning, fine (on the home cricket board) on the individual found to be culpable for the breach and withdrawal or suspension for a period of time of
international match status from the relevant venue for repeated offences.
Each member country has also been asked to dedicate a senior member of its staff to lead its anti-racism policies.