ICC rules out global crowd control measures

LONDON, JUNE 20.A global regime governing ground security at cricket matches is not practical, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday following the disruption to the triangular one-day series taking place in England.

Pitch invasions by supporters have marred the series being contested by England, Pakistan and Australia, prompting fears about the safety of players and officials. But ICC president Malcolm Gray said on Tuesday the diverse nature of the cricket- playing nations meant the ICC could not lay down a global set of regulations concerning crowd control.

``It is impossible to give ground security one regime,'' said Gray.'' In some countries you can have high fences, in others, you can't. In some countries there are alcohol rules and not in others. But the events of the last few days have brought it into the consciousness how critical the matter is``.

''We hope there will be an environment without people running on the ground.'' Australia captain Steve Waugh took his players off the pitch when their match against Pakistan at Trent Bridge on Tuesday was disrupted by a firework thrown onto the pitch.

On Sunday, England conceded its match against Pakistan after a steward was hurt in a pitch invasion at Headingley. The ICC did say in a statement that it could play a ``co-ordinating role'' in helping its member countries deal with unruly crowds''. - Reuters.

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