Pakistan draws up new code to limit player comments

KARACHI, (Reuters) – The Pakistan Cricket Board is  drawing up a new code of conduct to stop players on central  contracts speaking to the media without approval, PCB chairman  Ejaz Butt told Reuters yesterday.  

He said the revised code is aimed at curbing controversies and players would have to sign it before the next one-day series  against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from Nov. 3.  

“We have a code of conduct in the existing contracts but it has loopholes and is not spelt out clearly. The new code will be stricter and carry more penalties,” he said.  

“The idea of the new code is to stop players from speaking  on team and cricket matters that have negative effects and create controversies,” Butt added.  

He said only the captain, coach and manager would now be  allowed to speak to the media without first seeking approval.  

Any player wanting to give an interview or statement or make  a television appearance would have to ask for prior clearance  from the PCB and give details of what he intended to say.  

Pakistan cricket was rocked last week when Younus Khan quit  as captain to protest against statements from the chairman of  the National Assembly standing committee on sports following the  team’s return from the Champions Trophy in South Africa.