ICC urges Dhoni, Cook to show respect to its judicial process

Dubai, July 27 (IANS) Stung by criticisms from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Alastair Cook on the Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson row, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested both the Indian and England skippers to show restraint and have respect in the judicial process that went into the alleged altercation during the first Test in Nottingham.

Dhoni has slammed ICC's decision to fine Jadeja 50 percent of his match fee for the all-rounder's getting into an altercation with Anderson. Dhoni slammed the ICC saying "a lot of things were neglected in judging the case".

The ICC urged all relevant parties to respect the judicial process in relation to the alleged incident that took place during the first Test at Trent Bridge which has resulted in charges being brought against England's James Anderson and India's Ravindra Jadeja.

ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said comments made by Dhoni and Cook undermine ICC's disciplinary process. 

“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," said Richardson in a statement.

The ICC backed the decision of Match Referee David Boon to fine Jadeja.

“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 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," said Richardson.

The South African said that 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,” he said.

Though Jadeja cannot appeal against the fine, since he was charged under Level 1 offence, the Indian cricket board is consulting its lawyers to appeal against the penalty.

The hearing of England bowler Anderson will be held next Friday in Southampton and will be conducted by judicial commissioner Gordon Lewis. Anderson has been charged under a level three offence and could be banned for three Tests if found guilty.

The two players reportedly had a heated altercation while they left the field during the drawn first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, earlier this month.