MUMBAI, 20 January 2007 — South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs, invariably seeped in one controversy or the other, paid a heavy price for his intemperate language when he uttered profanity at the followers of the Pakistani team among the spectators at the Wanderers. He was stood down for two Test matches in the ongoing series. Cricket South Africa took this decision soon after the hosts had won the first Test on Monday. Nowadays, you just cannot muffle or hide what is spoken by the players, or even the umpires, on the field of play. In the old days, they could get away with any trash exchanged and one’s word was against the other and would rarely form any matter of discipline. Thanks to technology, and the stump microphone in particular, a lot of chatter and legible remarks are conveyed to the commentators’ as well as the match referee’s enclosures. It was eventually on the basis of what was recorded from the stump microphone and not due to any complaint of the Pakistani batsmen at the crease, that Gibbs was punished for a Level 3 offense under the players’ code of conduct. The reason given was use of derogatory language against Pakistan supporters. Skipper Graeme Smith, who said he did not condone Gibbs’ action, blamed the unruly spectators for the provocation by hurling racial remarks against bowler Paul Harris. Now, the behavior of the spectators is a law and order matter to do with ground security and not the concern of the ICC or Cricket South Africa, which took the action. Look at what happens in England and Australia where spectators get vociferously abusive.
Many a time, they are removed from the stands. Gibbs was earlier involved in the match-fixing issue with Hansie Cronje and deposed as much before the Kings Commission in his country. He was also wanted for questioning on the same issue by the Delhi police and he skipped one trip to India. Next time around, he was thoroughly investigated by the Delhi police in the presence of his lawyers and then allowed to play in the Champions’ Trophy. While Gibbs got his punishment, Andre Nel gets away with acts of intimidation against the rival players, especially from Asia. His racist attitude goes unchecked, as the umpires on the field appear to be too lenient to him. It was left to young pace bowler Sreesanth to give it back to Nel by hitting him for a six and then twirling his bat in glee. The umpires spoke to him but not Nel. The Pakistan team on the current tour have protested to the ICC match referee about Nel’s irritating behavior, which does disturb the concentration of the batsmen. Let us see whether Andre Nel is allowed to continue with his intimidatory tactics and his verbal salvos directed against the batsmen.
