DDCA unhappy at the ICC using the word ’suspension’

NEW DELHI - The International Cricket Council (ICC) appeals commissioner’s use of the word “suspension” while dismissing the Indian cricket board’s plea against the decision to keep Ferozeshah Kotla track off big-time game did not go well with the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

After the last ODI between India and Sri Lanka was called off Dec 27 due an unplayable pitch at the Kotla, the ICC ruled that no international cricket will be played at the ground until the end of December 2010.

DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan said “suspension” is not the right word.

“The word ’suspension’ is a blot on the glorious history of the Kotla. The match was called-off by match referee Alan Hurst without exhausting all his options of seeing whether the match could have been played. The rule is clear, that the umpires should call off the match, not the match referee as he did in Kotla’s case,” said Chauhan.

Asked if the DCCA was looking at any other option to reverse the ICC decision, Chauhan said: “It was the BCCI which has gone in appeal and it is for the board to think of the next move.”

Chauhan, however, added that the suspension will not affect Kotla because the ground was not scheduled to host any international match this year.

“We have already started our preparations for the World Cup. Indian Premier League (IPL) will be a big test and hopefully the ground will be ready in time for the 2011 World Cup,” he said.