The row between the Indian cricket board (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) intensified with the announcement that the BCCI's request to change the members of the Referees Commission had been rejected. The three-man Commission was set up by the ICC as a compromise after India had match referee Mike Denness sacked without ICC permission during their tour of South Africa late last year. It will review whether Denness followed the ICC's code of conduct during the second Test at Port Elizabeth, where he sanctioned six Indian players but, to the annoyance of the BCCI, it will not review the actual disciplinary penalties imposed.

Last week the ICC announced that Majid Khan, Andrew Hildich and Justice Albie Sachs would form the Commission. The BCCI immediately objected to the three, unhappy that they had not been consulted before the announcement was made. They subsequently put forward nominees of their own, including former Test captains Richie Benaud, Ian Chappell and Imran Khan as well as Justice Ahmed Ibrahim of Zimbabwe.

But the ICC dismissed the protest, insisting that further delays would not be in cricket's interest. "There is a growing urgency for this Commission to meet to discuss the detailed and complex issues involved, and to produce its report in time for the ICC Executive Board meeting in mid March," explained chief executive Malcolm Gray.

"The objections raised by Mr Dalmiya (president of the BCCI) have been carefully considered but we retain every confidence in the ability of this panel to complete its task in a thoroughly professional fashion."

The statement from the ICC made it clear that they were growing tired of the BCCI's stance, pointing out that the appointments should be viewed in the wider context of the international game, rather than as a point of contention between the ICC and the BCCI. "It is very important that the Commission has the respect of all ICC members and we hope the BCCI will recognise its calibre and integrity and support it in the wider and best interests of the game," Gray added.

The Commission is due to meet for the first time on February 23 in South Africa.

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