In the most extreme examples of offensive behaviour, umpires will be called upon to administer a minimum ban of five Tests.

ICC chief executive officer Malcolm Speed said: "We want international cricket to be tough and competitive but we also want to improve its image with the public.

"Umpires have agreed to support this drive by clamping down on language and behaviour that falls below reasonable standards.

"We are not trying to outlaw verbal exchanges between players, but spectators and viewers must not be exposed to crude, excessive language and gestures."

There is a new players code of conduct covering four levels of abuse.

• Level one: covers general use of bad language and obscene gestures.

• Level two: covers sledging.

• Level three: covers racial and ethnic abuse.

• Level four: covers the most serious racial and ethnic abuse.

David Richardson, the ICC's general manager, said: "The majority of cricketers are well behaved and play the game in the correct spirit.

"What we are doing with this initiative is to clarify the boundaries of behaviour for international cricket, in line with other major sports."

The new code of conduct has been circulated to all international Boards. It will first come into force for the Test series between Pakistan and New Zealand, starting 1 May.

What badly-behaved players face

• Level one offence: Anything from an official reprimand to 50% of match fee

• Level two offence: From 50% of match fee to entire match fee, or one-Test ban

• Level three offence: A ban of between two and four Test matches

• Level four offence: A ban of between five Tests and life