ICC are picking on wrong guys

THEY may be providing wonderful opportunities for our cricketers and we thank them for that, but there is something sinister about the International Cricket Council that I just don't like. This week a likeable, excitable but crestfallen Guernsey under-23 captain found himself charged by the ICC for speaking from the heart.

His team had been told they had won through to the European Under-23 Championships final. They rejoiced - but within a few minutes were informed: 'sorry, no you haven't.'

His level-one charge carried a written warning over his future conduct. Offend again within a year and it will be a two-week suspension next time.

So the ICC don't do free speech then?

They will turn a blind eye or issue slap-on-the-wrist fines for a whole catalogue of on-pitch misdemeanours at Test level, but speak honestly and without any offensive language and you are up before the ICC beak.

The ICC is a massive organisation and are doing much to develop the game around the world, but their handling of media issues is desperately heavy handed. They seek control.

Well, as far as this paper goes, they won't get it.

Earlier this summer, Guernsey played a strong touring Dutch Flamingo A side in a series of prestige friendlies.

Dave Hearse picked strong representative sides. They were full Guernsey XIs.

What were we instructed to call them?

The Guernsey Cricket Board XI and under no account Guernsey.

Guernsey Cricket Board will understandably bow to ICC pressures every time as they seek associate membership and the extra, much needed funding.

But it's all so petty, so needless.

The ICC should concentrate on tackling the critical, high-profile issues damaging the game: verbal and physical aggression at Test and one-day international level, backing umpires who take a stand against cheating or bad behaviour, and on over rates.

Not handing out petty lectures and threats to passionate 20-year-olds.

n WHAT a great advert for CI cricket was last Saturday's thrilling HSBC Trophy inter-insular.

Guernsey went down, partially due to the umpiring and because they lost their nerve.

And nerve is what is certainly required to perform and succeed at this level, be you a player or umpire.

I have long been a firm believer in neutral officials for the Guernsey-Jersey game. It's not about bias, it's about competence under rare pressure in the face of teams who will push the limit of gamesmanship to get decisions.

Cool heads are required and it's my view that it always helps to be a former player of decent ability.

It is time for the two cricket boards to act, bring in officials from anywhere but preferably from the UK and draw from the many former first-class players who should be available for a free weekend in either island.

Not umpires from Italy, Holland, France or Gibraltar, because they are most likely to be what I call 'rule book' officials like we saw at the KGV last Saturday and not experienced former players who know the tricks.