Should the Alternative Commentary Collective be saved? You told us

The team (from left): Leigh Hart, Jason Hoyte, Jeremy Wells, Lee Baker, Mike Lane, Paul Ford and Matt Heath.

Opinion

Cricket's governing body bans the boys-in-beige radio team over episode on pitch during drinks break.

The Alternative Commentary Collective, whose distinctive work from a caravan parked near the boundary at New Zealand's games this summer has become a feature of the international programme, have had their accreditations pulled by the International Cricket Council.

The public is not happy. Here is a small sample of comments from you, our readers, in support of the Alternative Commentary Collective:

I would like to offer my wholehearted support to the boys in beige.

Your broadcasts have been extremely entertaining and informative. I listen to every game live, and have on many occasions listened back through the highlights on iHeart radio and Soundcloud. I can't put into words how excited I get before a live broadcast. Your love of not only the Black Caps, but also of the glorious game of cricket, is contagious.

You are stirring up joy and celebration during a formative phase of New Zealand's sporting history. We need you.

Don't let the ICC spoil the momentum of this movement as it climbs towards its fervent climax.

God speed in the caravan of love and all the very best to you all.
Chris Conway

My entire cricket club has spent the summer with the TV on mute listening to these guys.
The terms they have coined are being chorused every day and have connected with a lot of people.

I'm sure this can't be isolated to just my club and it really bothers me that the ICC can silence a broadcast on our soil, at our grounds and at our World Cup.

Save the ACC!

Scott

As a kiwi who has never been particularly interested in the often stale sport of cricket, the ACC combined with the black caps recent performances have converted me into a fan. Through their ridiculously brilliant banter they make cricket accessible for all (adult) audiences to watch or listen to. They breathe new life into an old sport that through trivial acts like this appears to be becoming increasingly ancient.

I never thought I would care enough about cricket to watch a full game, let alone write a bloody letter to the paper! But it's too late now, I have been drawn in to the game, witnessed its magic and will tune in again. And that in itself is where the ICC are missing the trick, a whole new audience segment, watching games, buying merchandise and consuming sponsors products. They would have to pay an agency a lot of money to come up with something like the ACC to convert new audiences, and yet here all they have to do is embrace them.
Sam

Just writing to air my support for the ACC. Like thousands of New Zealanders I've tuned in each game to hear their hilarious commentary of the cricket. These guys demonstrate the essence of kiwi humour - dead pan, self-deprecatory comedy and not taking anything too seriously.

It's a great disappointment we won't hear them for the rest of the World Cup because of a nonsense decision from up high. In many people's eyes, much colour will be lost to what is turning out to be a magnificent event.

Just my thoughts.

Luke

Please help the ACC get back on the air.

I live in The United States of America (AKA The USA) and cricket coverage at the best of times is few and far between.

The ACC is/was my only hope.

Since the news broke that the ICC banned the ACC my life has gone all 10CC .

They don't like cricket - no, no - they love it .
Stevie Atkin

I really hope these guys can get back on the air. For me they have brought back the enthusiasm for cricket that I enjoyed as a kid. Surely this is in the ICC's best interests.
Julian

I would like to show my support for the Alternate Commentary Collective. They add an extra dimension to the cricket which I find very entertaining.
It seems the ICC is just nit picking for a reason to kick them out.
The ACC represents a large number of kiwis cricket fans who pay to watch the sport. I watch on sky while listening to the ACC & also attend games live
The world cup has been awesome but the ICC need to stop being dicks on this one!
Mita

Please add my voice of support behind this talented team. The ICC has overreacted to this minor incident in the most dramatic way possible. Surely a warning or at most a fine would suffice?

Taking these fine comedians off the air is taking away from an otherwise excellent tournament. The ICC must reconsider.
Gurpreet Gahunia

What a joke this whole thing is- and not nearly as funny a one as those told by the ACC on a regular basis. The boys need to be brought back and quickly; they're the best thing to happen to cricket since WG Grace's beard. How am I supposed to enjoy this Friday's game without them? I don't want Grant Elliott to be called Grant Elliott, I want to hear about the hairy javelin dammit!

It clearly wasn't malicious, it obviously was a mix up and common sense needs to trump bureaucracy here.

Let's find a way around it one way or another....
Lauren

We need to save the ACC, they are the future of sport commentary and will continue to attract more and new audience to cricket and if it catches on to other sports.
Simon Boyd

I'm emailing to show my support for the Alternative Commentary Collective. These boys entertain thousands of people on a weekly basis and I think it is disgusting to so easily silence them for what sounds like an incident of minimal significance.
I hope the Herald can help the ICC to see some sense.
Dr Pieter Wood