Independent review criticizes Cricket Australia, calls the body 'arrogant'
Earlier this year, the ball-tampering incident shook the foundations of Australian cricket. In the wake of that, an independent body, the Ethics Center has released a scathing review of Cricket Australia. The board has been called 'arrogant', and 'dictatorial' in the review. It has also been blamed for the scandal. Further, the review has revealed a gap in communication between the board and players.
Cricketers hardly showed interest in the process
The review had carried out 469 surveys. However, in the current team, just 14 players returned the surveys. Out of the nine former players, who were also asked to participate, only three bothered to respond. The review concluded that there was a severe lack of communication between players and Cricket Australia. Further, it was stated that the ban was supported by most.
Some of the important recommendations made by the Ethics Center
The review urged Cricket Australia to set up an Ethics Commission. This committee should be able to hold anyone involved, accountable for ethics of the game. It also recommended giving the umpires the power to send-off players if a massive breach of conduct happens in Tests, grade A, or Sheffield Shield matches. Further, it wants CA to include sledging within the boundaries of 'harassment'.
CA has not agreed to one recommendation
Out of the 42 recommendations that were suggested in the review, Cricket Australia has declined one. It had suggested that Test and ODI players should be given respite from T20I matches, to participate in at least two Sheffield Shield games and one grade game annually.
Review criticizes 'win at all costs' mentality
The review mentions that players have generally negative opinions about CA. The players also feel that they are being treated as commodities by the board. The report also stated that "structures built around elite cricket are oriented to winning, without properly counting the cost." Regarding sledging, the review conjectures that 'playing the mongrel' attitude comes from the mentality of winning however possible.
Review aftermath: Paine and Hazlewood release 'Players' Pact'
Regarding the findings of the review, Australian Test captain Tim Paine, along with co vice-captain Josh Hazlewood, released a Players' Pact on how cricketers should behave on and off the field. Paine said, "It's not our cricket team, it's Australia's cricket team and I think for a little while we lost that." Paine also said cricketers would be competing 'hard but fair' in future.
Women's cricket remains untainted
The report by the Ethics Center has also clearly stated that most of their observations regarding decadence in values of the game are centered around the men's team and that the Australian women's cricket team remains unaffected.
Comments from Cricket Australia's chairman
Cricket Australia chairman, David Peever has stated that CA had commissioned the review because "we wanted to look in the mirror." He said that CA accepts its responsibility in terms of the ball-tampering incident, and added that despite the review being a scathing read, CA will do everything to introduce necessary changes and learn from the mistakes that have been made in the past.
