ICC backs David Boon on Ravindra Jadeja verdict; asks MS Dhoni and Alastair Cook to stop making critical comments

Alastair Cook (L) and MS Dhoni posing with the Investec trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has backed David Boon on his decision to fine Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja 50% of his match fee for his involvement in an alleged confrontation with England pace bowler James Anderson and has gone to say that the captains of both sides, Alastair Cook and MS Dhoni, need to refrain from being critical of it and instead focus on the game.

Speaking of the press yesterday ahead of the third of the 5-match Test series in England, MS Dhoni had said that he was left “very hurt” on hearing the fine imposed on Jadeja, whom, he considers, wasn’t guilty of a Level 1 offence, while his counterpart Cook called Indian management’s move to file a complaint against Anderson as a tactical ploy to destabilise England team.

In response to Dhoni’s comments, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "England captain Alastair Cook and, more recently, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni have made public comments relating to the alleged incident that took place during the first Test at Trent Bridge, the latter of which is critical of and undermines the ICC disciplinary process.

"The ICC would also like to reiterate its full support of the process followed and respect for the decision made by David Boon. ICC Code of Conduct hearings of this nature are, generally speaking, difficult processes to work through, with detailed legal submissions, witness statements and oral witness testimony. We are satisfied that Mr Boon carefully and comprehensively considered the evidence and submissions presented to him at the hearing, which included conflicting evidence from both sides, prior to making his decision.

"In legal matters such as this, the ICC takes extremely seriously its duty as administrators of the game. Therefore, I request all stakeholders to respect the process which remains ongoing and remind them of their duties to the integrity of the process and the sport so that we can focus on the game of cricket itself."

The trial for James Anderson, who is facing Level 3 offence charges for allegedly “abusing and pushing” Jadeja, will take place on August 1, and it is expected that he is likely to face a minimum of 2-Tests ban if found guilty.