BCCI to plead Jadeja innocence

Cricket365
July 30, 2014

The International Cricket Council are likely to release a statement on Wednesday, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India appeal all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's guilty verdict for alleged involvement in a confrontation with England fast bowler James Anderson.

Jadeja was sanctioned for a level one breach of the ICC's code of conduct – and dealt a 50 percent match fee fine – after reportedly threatening to strike Anderson, as the players walked to the pavilion before the lunch break on day two of the first Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham earlier this month.

"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," said chief executive David Richardson on Sunday.

"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.

"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 BCCI have insisted Anderson verbally abused and pushed Jadeja. Anderson has been charged with a level three breach, which might bring a ban for up to four Tests. His hearing, which will be conducted by ICC-appointed judicial commissioner Gordon Lewis, will happen on Friday in Southampton.