The International Cricket Council on Wednesday said it will not take any action against Virat Kohli and Steve Smith on the DRS controversy.
The decision by ICC may effectively bring an end to what was threatening to turn into an ugly face-off between the BCCI and Cricket Australia, with both the cricket boards staunchly supporting their respective captains on the cheating allegations.
Chasing 188, Australia was 74 for 3 when the Australia skipper was struck on the pads by Umesh Yadav and was given out by umpire Nigel Llong. After a discussion with non-striker Peter Handscomb, Smith looked towards the Australian dressing room for inputs before deciding whether to review or not. Immediately Llong walked down to remonstrate with Smith. Kohli too rushed over but was asked to move away.
Steve Smith admitted to a ‘brain fade’ but said it was just a one-off instance but Kohli insisted that the Australian captain sought help from the dressing room at least twice.
With Cricket Australia calling the allegations 'outrageous', the BCCI hit back with video proof and a statement supporting Kohli.
The BCCI stopped short of making an official complaint against Steve Smith but requested the ICC “to take cognizance of the fact that the Australian skipper Mr. Steve Smith in his press conference admitted to a ‘brain fade’ at that moment”.
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after due deliberation and seeing the video replays of the episode steadfastly stands with the Indian Cricket Team and its Captain Virat Kohli,” the BCCI release said.
“Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary. Kohli’s action was supported by ICC Elite Panel Umpire Nigel Llong who rushed in to dissuade Steve Smith from taking recourse to inappropriate assistance”
Thakur lambasts Smith
Earlier in the day, Former BCCI president Anurag Thakur joined the chorus in support of Virat Kohli after he alleged that he had seen Australian captain Steven Smith seeking help from the dressing room for a DRS referral at least twice.
Thakur lambasted Steve Smith and questioning his credentials as a captain. “If Steve Smith is so naive that he didn't know what to do, should he be leading [Australia]?. Is Steve Smith a good example of leadership,” he said.
Thakur began his twitter tirade against Australia by calling their bluff on ‘cheating’. “For years Australian ckt. team have been bullying world ckt. Not any more. This time they are caught on camera and still denying.(sic),” he tweeted.
“Extremely proud of #TeamIndia (@BCCI ) and @imVkohli who reported the matter to umpires. We must stand by our captain and support him,” Thakur wrote.
Comments
SHARE