ICC decides not to take action on India complaint

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday decided not to levy any charge against India skipper Virat Kohli and his Australia counterpart Steven Smith after a major DRS controversy erupted following the latter’s dismissal during the second Test in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

In a statement, the ICC said: “The ICC has considered both incidents in the context of this match and concluded it will be taking no further action against either player.”

The ICC decision came after the Indian cricket board had thrown its weight behind skipper Virat Kohli and urged the apex body to take action against Smith for seeking help from the dressing room on a decision review against his dismissal during the fourth day’s play.

After Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland dubbed Kohli’s ‘they crossed the line’ charges against Smith as ‘outrageous’, the BCCI issued a statement backing the India skipper’s comments.

The BCCI said, “Mr Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary. Mr Kohli’s action was supported by ICC Elite Panel Umpire Mr Nigel Llong, who rushed in to dissuade Mr Steve Smith from taking recourse to inappropriate assistance.

“BCCI has requested the ICC to take cognisance of the fact that the Australian skipper Mr Steve Smith in his press conference (after the Test) admitted to a ‘brain fade’ at that moment.”

Earlier, the Indian team management lodged a complaint with the ICC match referee Chris Broad over Smith’s action on the field. “A complaint has been sent to the match referee after the game. The team management has conveyed its views on the issue to the COA (Committee of Administrators),” an official told HT on condition of anonymity.