ICC could act on Moeen’s claim

World cricket’s governing body is encouraging any player who believes they have been racially abused to report it, as it emerged the Australian player who allegedly vilified Moeen Ali can still face disciplinary action under the game’s anti racism code.

The England spinner has accused an Australian player of calling him ‘‘Osama’’ during the first test of the 2015 Ashes. Moeen was reportedly going to name the alleged offender in his just-published book but decided not to in order to spare the player public humiliation.

According to Moeen, he referred the matter at the time to England coach Trevor Bayliss, who sought out his Australian counterpart Darren Lehmann. Lehmann then questioned his player, who claimed he had said ‘‘take that you part-timer’’, Moeen wrote.

Cricket Australia is waiting to hear back from the England and Wales Cricket Board after reaching out over the weekend.

CA chief executive James Sutherland is one of several officials who can submit a report to the International Cricket Council. Though the alleged incident happened more than three years ago, a report can still be filed under its anti racism code.

Under the code, the umpires, match referee and the team managers and chief executives of CA and the ECB can make a report no later than seven days after the alleged offence was brought to their attention.

It is, however, considered unlikely for any report to be made unless Moeen was to provide further details, given the alleged perpetrator has denied any wrongdoing.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association is supporting CA’S move but was unsure what could be investigated three years on from the event.

‘‘CA are correct to seek further information and clarification from the ECB,’’ an ACA spokesperson said. ‘‘Especially since the ACA understands from media reports that this alleged onfield matter was investigated and resolved in 2015. The game must have zero tolerance for any form of vilification.’’