Cricket: 'Save the ACC' Commentary boys in beige back on air by popular demand

Paul Ford.

ICC relents but broadcasters won’t be allowed back at grounds

The Alternative Commentary Collective have been given back their voices - though from a distance.

Spurred by the Herald's "Save The ACC" campaign, the International Cricket Council, which administers the World Cup, has relented and allowed the boys in the off-white suits to continue to broadcast New Zealand matches from their caravan, but not at the grounds.

This will recommence when the Black Caps play Bangladesh in Hamilton on Friday.

"First of all, we have to establish whether we're allowed in Hamilton. We may be forced to park the caravan on the city fringe, so are looking at some quiet rural locations near Orini, Rotokauri and Gordonton," said Beige Brigade co-founder and ACC spokesman Paul Ford.

"If we're allowed inside the city limits, there are a lot of sexual health clinics in Hamilton, so we're looking at broadcasting from one of their carparks. We thought about the casino, too, but decided that wasn't appropriate given our luck this week.

"In Wellington for the quarter-final, we'd love to broadcast from the Basin Reserve car park.

"There's some great caravan parking near the Happy Valley landfill, too."

Fans of the abstract commentary team will be rejoicing after the ACC looked to be taken off the air after an alleged protocol breach during the game between Afghanistan and New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier on Sunday.

At a drinks break during the Afghanistan innings, Leigh Hart, a member of the ACC, accompanied the cart on to the park. Although it is understood he was invited by World Cup sponsor Gatorade, his brief dialogue with the umpires and Grant Elliott - a player known by the ACC as the Hairy Javelin - broke ICC rules. On Monday an ICC spokesman said: "An individual went outside the agreed boundaries of an activation and appropriate action has been taken."

The ACC had their accreditations pulled but will continue to broadcast matches. Dallas Gurney, NZME's general manager of talk radio, says it is a good outcome.

"We understand the importance of security at the World Cup and fully appreciate the concern the ICC had. To have them able to continue commentating, albeit not at the game, is a great result not only for us as a company but for all of the fans they have attracted since their inception."

The ACC's popularity has grown rapidly during the tournament.

"The boys have generated 241,819 streams to date with the New Zealand versus Australia game attracting so many listeners that our server actually crashed," Gurney said.

The public responded to the ACC's plight with messages of support.

At 5pm yesterday, 5000 people had responded to a poll asking whether they should be silenced - 68 per cent said no, with only 26 per cent agreeing with the ICC.

Readers' views

I offer my wholehearted support to the boys in beige. You have been entertaining and informative.
Chris Conway

Please add my voice of support behind this talented team. The ICC has over-reacted to this minor incident - a warning or fine would suffice.
Gurpreet Gahunia

My entire cricket club has spent the summer with the TV on mute listening to these guys. It bothers me that the ICC can silence a broadcast on our soil. Save the ACC!
Scott

These boys entertain thousands. 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 see sense.
Dr Pieter Wood

I live in America and cricket coverage is scarce. The ACC is my one hope.
Stevie Atkin