Yes, Mr Speed… you’re the man

Malcolm Speed, ICC Chief Executive held a press conference at Melbourne earlier today. He announced:

“It is important to stress that Steve has not been replaced due to any representations made by any team or individuals. The ICC remains the sole body responsible for the appointment of umpires and no team has the right to object to any appointment. The decision by the ICC to replace Steve for this match was made in the best interests of the game and the series,” said Mr Speed.

This, after the ICC replaced Steve Bucknor with Billy Bowden. It will be indeed tough for anyone to believe for a moment that the ICC took the proactive step of replacing Bucknor and that the complaints and ineptitude of the man had nothing to do with. Typically reactive of the ICC. But they want us to believe it was a proactive step.

Tsk.

(P.S.: I was unaware that the ICC joined hands with Yahoo! Good move, for once!)

Photo: BBC