Mumbai: Malcolm Speed, Chief Executive Officer, International Cricket Council (ICC), reminded the players and officials to adhere to the `Spirit of Cricket' values, highlighted in the `The Laws of Cricket preamble during the ICC Champions Trophy 2006.

"For one month from October 7 the eyes of the world will be focused on India when the first ball will be bowled in the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match in Mohali. I dedicate the ICC Champions Trophy to the `Spirit of Cricket' values that dwells on tradition, fairplay and excellence. I am not suggesting to sanitising the game. The game has to be played with passion, fervour and in a hard way. I am only advocating the players and officials to pledge themselves to the ideals of the game built upon over three hundred years. What we are seeking is to live up to the values of the `Spirit of the game,'' said Speed, at a pre-event launch of the ICC Champions Trophy here on Thursday at the C.K. Nayudu Hall, Cricket Club of India.

Procedure in place

Responding to a question if the ICC could bring in an immediate exemplary punishment procedure for erring players defying the `Spirit of the Game', as was in the case of Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq who forfeited the Test to England, Speed said, "The system is set up and a procedure is in place already. The ICC is keen that former players/Match Referees decide on cricketing issues. I would have preferred this procedure to have settled the issue. But the Match Referee did not get an opportunity for a hearing.''

Talking further about the code of conduct for players Speed said he would feel great and happy should the Champions Trophy go through without a single offence by a player.

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