Malcolm Speed is no different. Despite running the game in its best interestsand with considerably efficiency for years now, Speed has been labeled‘anti-Indian’ by some of the Indian media and is currently one of the mostdisliked men in the country. In Australia too, he is being looked upon as onecapable of being blackmailed into subjection by India based on his decision toremove Steve Bucknor from officiating in the third Test starting at Perth on 16January 2008.
Having come to know Speed from fairly close quarters over the last year or so,there’s no doubt in my mind that the labeling is unfair. Speed, a man of firmcharacter, has always acted in the best interests of the game. When he addressedthe media at the MCG on 8January 2008, he was well aware that his statements were capable of dividingthe cricket world. He was also aware that the continuation of the current serieswas largely dependant on his decisions. And there’s little doubt he did thebest possible under the circumstances. Had he not removed Bucknor fromofficiating in the third Test, the Indians may have cancelled the tour. At thesame time he was at pains to emphasize that the ICC, which alone has the rightto arbitrate in such matters, took the decision in the best interests of thegame and the series.
Despite his efforts, the removal has been touted as a victory of the BCCI by theAustralian media. Many have gone on to castigate the ICC as a toothless body. Inreality, however, the decision taken is the only sensible one under thecircumstances. Had Speed been adamant and allowed Bucknor to continue, he ranthe risk of dividing the world game, which as an administrator he could illafford. At the same time he made sure that there was little departure fromprocedure, thus protecting the sanctity of the ICC.