With the ICC keeping an eagle eye on crowd behaviour, Cricket Australia on Saturday launched a campaign with the "friendly face" of former Australian cricketer Merv Hughes encouraging spectators to enjoy themselves within acceptable limits.
The "Friendly Serve from Merv" campaign comprises press advertisements, outdoor billboards at international venues and 15-second commercials which will be shown at each international matches for the remainder of the 2007-08 season.
"Cricket Australia remains committed to ensuring that everyone who attends cricket matches leaves having experienced an enjoyable and safe day of entertainment," said CA Chief Executive Sutherland.
"Merv Hughes is one of Australian cricket's most recognisable and popular characters. Throughout his playing career, Merv developed a special bond with fans around Australia and we see him as an ideal fit for CA's ongoing
approach to creating an enjoyable environment at the cricket," he said.
The campaign adds a further element to the crowd management guidelines developed by Cricket Australia over the past two years to ensure all patrons are able to experience international cricket in comfort.
"The message is to enjoy yourself at the cricket and to not let your idea of fun ruin the day for other cricket fans. It's just a friendly reminder that the cricket season has started, there are some big days at the cricket, we want you to enjoy it but we want the people around you to enjoy it, too," Hughes said.
"It's an important message to get across but I think it's been done in a humorous way that a lot of people will relate to."
