ICC takes stand on sexual harassment

New Delhi, Oct. 20: Educating cricketers on appropriate off-field conduct will be part of the ICC’s “improved” guidelines to prevent sexual harassment and bullying of “children and vulnerable adults” under its ambit, the world body stated.

With the #MeToo movement taking the world by storm, sexual harassment came up for discussion at the three-day ICC Board meetings in Singapore, which concluded on Saturday.

In a carefully-worded statement, where the ICC avoided mentioning women specifically and stuck to a gender-neutral description of vulnerable adults, the governing body said it would come up with a new policy to guard against sexual harassment.

“An ICC Event Behaviour and Welfare Policy will also be introduced with immediate effect. This will address, in particular, the standards of off-field behaviour expected of Players, Player Support Personnel and others working at ICC events for or on behalf of the ICC or local organising committee,” the ICC stated.

“The Board and committees were united in their commitment to making cricket a safe and secure place for everyone whether they are playing, officiating or working in any capacity,” added ICC CEO Dave Richardson.

The policy will include provisions that protect against harassment, indecent exposure, inappropriate behaviour with tournament staff and inappropriate behaviour in event accommodation and venues.

“The Board unanimously agreed to improve the current ICC policies and procedures around the protection of children and vulnerable adults.”