Warne charity decision delayed

Banned Australian cricketer Shane Warne will have to wait until after Easter to learn whether he can play in English charity matches.

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) and the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) are seeking a ruling from an independent arbitrator on the issue.

The ACB directors decided on the weekend Warne could not take part in any organised cricket matches, including charity and testimonial games, during his 12-month ban.

But the ACA is now involved because the two bodies have different interpretations of the memorandum of understanding between them.

"The ACB interpretation of the ACB/ACA Memorandum of Understanding which governs the relationship between the ACB, ACA and contracted players, is that players suspended under the ACB Anti-Doping Policy cannot play in any organised cricket games, including charity and testimonial games," the board said in a statement.

"The ACA interpretation is that suspended players can play in bona fide charity and testimonial games."

Warne has received an offer to play for Lashings, an English charity side, during his suspension.

He is out of organised cricket until February 10 after testing positive to banned diuretics.

The board also ruled on several other issues surrounding Warne's suspension, allowing him to train with state and national sides while he is suspended.

"The board did approve other activity while Warne is suspended, including training with club, state and national teams; taking part in coaching and promotional clinics, school promotions, junior development programs and working as a media commentator," the ACB said.

The statement said the board and the association were discussing an approach to the Law Institute of Victoria after Easter for a recommendation about a suitable arbitrator.

Warne's brother and manager Jason was unavailable for comment.