Ball-tampering scandal: CA sets up panel for culture review

Melbourne [Australia], May 1 (ANI): In the wake of massive ball-tampering scandal that sent shock waves through sporting world, Cricket Australia (CA) has appointed a panel who will draft a charter of behaviour to which the national side will adhere.

The panel, which will conduct players review, will include former Test players Rick McCosker, Shane Watson and George Bailey, current players Pat Cummins and women's vice-captain Rachael Haynes.

The players' review will run in conjunction with the wide-range review into Cricket Australia's organizational structure.

The broader review, which will study the relationship between player behaviour and cultural, organisational and governance issues within Cricket Australia and team performance bodies nationwide, will be conducted by the Sydney-based Ethics Centre and led by its Executive Director Dr Simon Longstaff AO.

Reflecting on the same, CA Chairman David Peever said that the board is determined to avoid any infringements activities like ball tampering and sledging in future.

"We understand and share the disappointment of fans and the broader Australian community about these events. The board is determined to do all we can to prevent such events from ever happening again," cricket.com.au quoted Peever, as saying.

"We have full confidence that Simon (Longstaff) and his team, along with Rick (McCosker) and the player panel will be able to fully review and identify recommendations for improvement," he added.

The findings from the player review panel, which will also include new Test captain Tim Paine and yet-to-be-appointed coach, will be incorporated into the over-arching Ethics Centre's review.

The two inquiries will start immediately and is expected to be completed prior to the international season, which will begin in late September.

Former skipper Steve Smith, along with former vice-captain David Warner, was barred from all international and domestic cricket for a year, while opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months by Cricket Australia for their roles in an attempt to scuff the ball during the third Test of the recently-concluded four-match series against South Africa.(ANI)