Sydney, Oct 01: Australian cricketers would now face a life ban for sledging under a new code of behaviour policy as the country's cricket board makes an effort to lift the game's domestic and international image. Under the new policy, assault and racial and religious vilification are considered the most serious breaches and will be punishable by a ban of between five Test matches and/or 10 one-dayers and a life ban, a report in the website of a sports network said.
The Cricket Australia (CA) has revealed that pressure for the change came after the clash between Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath and West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan earlier this year. Growing pressure from various quarters has led to the ca meeting with the national and state teams this week, which addressed Australia's leading cricketers on four specific areas: code of behaviour, racial and religious vilification, drugs and harassment.
Under the proposed code of behaviour for on-field misdemeanours, players can receive suspended ban of up to one year. Bureau Report