The International Cricket Council, already at loggerheads with the Board of Control for Cricket in India over several issues, on Friday strongly disapproved of the Indian Cricket Board's decision to invite banned former captain Mohammed Azharuddin for an official function next month.
"The ICC has a zero tolerance policy on corruption and we'd like all our members to have a similar attitude," ICC spokesman Brian Murgatroyd said.
Azharuddin, who led India in three World Cups, figures in a list of celebrated players and officials who have been invited for the inauguration of the Board's new headquarters in Mumbai on November 4.
The stylish batsman was banned for life in 2000 for his alleged involvement in betting and match-fixing.
Asked whether the ICC had apprised the BCCI about its strong feelings on the matter, Murgatroyd said: "they are very much aware of our opposition on the issue."
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However, Murgatroyd said ICC has no plans to issue a directive to the BCCI on the matter.
"It is not a matter of policy for us to dictate anything to our members. After all it's a function organised by the BCCI," he said.
The incident is the latest in a sequel of conflicts between the BCCI and the ICC on matters ranging from the signing of the Members Participation Agreement to revenue sharing deals.
