Bermuda Cricket Board have rejected suggestions that all-rounder Saleem Mukuddem was treated unfairly when he was suspended for missing an official cocktail reception during the World Cup — insisting they had adhered strictly to an agreed disciplinary process.

In a written statement released yesterday, the BCB also suggested the South African had been well aware that attendance at the British High Commission’s reception in Port of Spain on Saturday, March 17 was compulsory for all players — directly contradicting Mukuddem’s claims.

The 35-year-old accountant argued he had been the victim of a “gross over-reaction” to what was a “relatively minor offence”, and that the Board had flouted their own disciplinary guidelines in not giving him the opportunity to explain his actions before deciding to suspend him for the game against India on March 19.

Mukuddem also expressed serious concern over the fairness of the process in light of the total breakdown in his relationship with team manager Lionel Tannock — a member of the disciplinary committee — who had angrily accused Mukuddem on Saturday morning of deliberately attempting to undermine his authority.

The double Cup Match centurion also claimed there were other disciplinary infractions on tour — such as players missing curfews — which either went unpunished or received far more lenient treatment.

While the players and their wives were invited to the reception, children were not and the Board pointed out yesterday that other players with children had made the “appropriate” arrangements for them to be looked after.

Mukuddem, who quit international cricket in disgust directly after the tournament, said he was unaware his attendance at the reception was compulsory and that he had not been prepared to leave his six-month-old baby boy with an unfamiliar babysitter.

He was also not satisfied, he said, with the option of leaving his wife at the hotel to look after the baby because she had also been invited.

Mukuddem claimed he told Tannock on the Saturday morning that he wasn’t going to be going and had asked the manager to communicate this to Board chief executive Neil Speight.

But this was not done, Mukuddem said, and he did not find out about his suspension until the following day when he was told by coach Gus Logie — in front of all the players — that he would not be taking the field against India.

Mukuddem questioned why Tannock did not tell Speight as asked and also why he was not informed at any stage that he was likely to be punished for non-attendance.

According to the Board, however, Mukuddem’s actions left the tour manager and the two other disciplinary committee members, Reggie Pearman and Gary Fray, with little option but to take action.

However, they provided no explanation yesterday as to why the punishment was so severe, nor did they address what appears to have been a complete breakdown in communication between the manager, members of the executive and the affected player. “The BCB stands by its decision following the incident involving Mr. Mukuddem and affirms the matter was dealt with fairly and consistently and within communicated guidelines,” the statement read.

“Prior to the commencement of the World Cup the BCB, as a direct result of sub-standard behaviour in Kenya, issued a document entitled Team Standards.

“This document was explained to and signed by every member of the national squad prior to their departure from Bermuda. The Team Standards clearly outlined the disciplinary process for any infractions that may occur on tour. These rules, although complimentary to those (already included) in the players’ contract, were drafted to ensure that any behavioural infractions were dealt with both swiftly and appropriately.

“Specifically, the Team Standards outlined that “any behavioural issues that come to the attention of the national team coach, manager or other Board official” would be “dealt with by the team manager extremely severely and may include the player being fined, a match ban(s) and/or sent home at the discretion of the team manager”.

“The event in question was a cocktail reception hosted by the British High Commission in honour of the Bermuda squad at which each member’s presence was compulsory.

“The national team coach Gus Logie, the national team manager Lionel Tannock and the national team captain Irving Romaine have confirmed that in a meeting of the squad it was made clear to each squad member that this event was mandatory.

“In addition to the event being confirmed as mandatory the players were informed of the dress code as well as the travel arrangements to the venue.

“The issue of players with children was raised and discussed at that team meeting, at which Mr. Mukuddem was present. At that time the squad was reminded specifically by Mr. Logie that they were being paid to be on tour and to represent Bermuda and this was not a holiday.

“It is important to note that there were other players with wives and young children in the squad who made the appropriate arrangements for the evening.

“The BCB fully understands Mr. Mukuddem’s disappointment at being banned for a game. This was a decision that was not taken lightly.

“However, Tour Standards are an important part of any national cricket team and in this case the BCB is fully satisfied that the rules were appropriately applied.

“As far as the BCB is concerned, this matter is now closed.”