The International Cricket Council has decided to act tough on "sledging" in cricket and will adopt a "zero tolerance" policy towards use of offensive language.

In a letter directed to international match officials and the captains and chief executives of full-member teams and top one-day sides, the ICC has sought their support to eliminate the menace of sledging.

"It was announced that ICC would in future be taking a zero tolerance approach to the use of offensive language," the ICC letter published in The Hindustan Times, stated.

"There have been several controversial incidents on the field which originated from the use by players of language or gestures which are considered obscene, offensive or insulting," the letter added.

The ICC also stated that verbal exchanges could not be completely eliminated so any incident will be acted upon at the appointed umpires' discretion.

"The umpire seeking to lay a charge shall be required to take into account the context of the particular situation and whether the words or gesture are likely to be regarded as obscene, or give offence, or insult another person," the letter added.