Deploring the provocative comments of Board of Control for Cricket in India vice-president Lalit Modi, the International Cricket Council on Thursday said such statements would only adversely affect the ongoing Champions Trophy.
ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said Modi's comments are disappointing when such an important tournament is underway in India.
"We have noted the inflammatory and provocative comments of Lalit Modi in the Indian media today. The comments are a cause of disappointment to us as they serve only to distract from the ICC Champions Trophy, the prestige of which Modi says he wishes to enhance," Speed said in a statement.
However, he asserted that the ICC would see the smooth conduct of the tournament despite such distractions.
"Rest assured, despite such regrettable comments, the ICC remains focussed on delivering a world-class event in India, something that will benefit all of our 97 members by helping to grow the game worldwide. We will continue to act, as always, in the best interests of the sport."
Speed said if Modi has any grievances he should raise them at the ICC Board meeting in Mumbai next month.
"The international cricket community has in place processes through which concerns can be raised by any of our members. If Modi has any genuine issues then he can ask one of his senior colleagues at the BCCI, who will be in attendance, to raise these concerns at the ICC's next Board meeting, set to take place in Mumbai in early November.
"I am personally looking forward to travelling to India later this week to watch India play England in Jaipur on Sunday. I am sure this will give Modi an opportunity to raise any pressing concerns he has with me face-to-face, but, most importantly, I am looking forward to an exciting game of cricket," Speed added.
