The International Cricket Council (ICC) has hit for a six India’s request to appeal against the judicial commissioner’s decision to exonerate England pacer James Anderson in a row with Ravindra Jadeja during the first Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Judicial Commissioner Gordon Lewis had ruled both players “not guilty” due to a lack of evidence.
A ‘hurt’ Indian camp refused to accept Lewis’ decision and on Tuesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India wrote to the ICC CEO David Richardson to appeal for a review. “Need time to read and react,” said a BCCI official in Mumbai, adding that ICC chairman N. Srinivasan chose to play a neutral role and not interfere.
On Wednesday, the ICC said it was satisfied with the reasons provided and has elected not to exercise its discretion to appeal against the decision relating to Anderson. Richardson said: “This outcome is the result of two exhaustive and thorough disciplinary processes and, after considering the written decision, the ICC is satisfied with the manner in which the decisions have been reached.”
“It was a complicated and sensitive matter relating to charges brought against two players at different levels of the ICC Code of Conduct. There appears to have been vastly conflicting evidence on both sides, with a total of 13 witnesses who gave testimony.”
“After carefully considering the decision by Gordon Lewis, whose vast experience was invaluable to the process over recent weeks, we believe that no further purpose would be served by prolonging the process through further appeal proceedings.”
“The disciplinary procedures were robust and transparent and all parties had ample opportunity to ask questions, test the evidence and make submissions. We have determined that there is no merit in an appeal and that it would not be in the best interest of the sport to take such action.”
The ICC decision should come as a welcome relief to those who are more keen on on-field action than off it. The fourth Test starts in Manchester on Thursday and with the five-Test series level 1-1, critics feel Mahendra Singh Dhoni would be better off thinking about how to win a Test match. Insiders have revealed that it was Dhoni who wanted the BCCI to protest.
Commenting generally, however, on the use of offensive language, Richardson added: “International cricket is tough, competitive and uncompromising but we must reiterate that there is no place in the game for the use of offensive language that is personally insulting of one player by another.”
“It is imperative that all captains, players and coaches as well as umpires and referees are reminded of and do not shirk their responsibility to one another and to the game.”
