Batsman with cramp

"In the recent ODI, England captain Andrew Strauss was reported in the media to having objected to South African batsman Graeme Smith having a runner late in his innings due to Cramp.
Surely the Umpires have sole and total responsibility for this? The Laws do not mention that the fielding captain has any right to objection.
Is this another example of the Media sensationalising the story for their own benefit, or is this a regulation of the tournament? "

The current ICC regulations for ODIs contain no alterations to Law 2.1, therefore it is nothing to do with the players; the decision is for the umpire to make.

It is possible, though extremely unlikely, that there are special regulations covering the present series. In any case, cramp is not a reason for a runner; it is not an injury, nor is it an illness. They might as well ask for a runner if the batsman gets out of breath.