ICC rules out action after BCCI and CA spar on DRS issue

David Richardson

New Delhi/Melbourne: The Virat Kohli-Steve Smith clash on the controversial DRS call today triggered a full blown verbal war between the Cricket Boards of India and Australia before the ICC ruled out action against the two captains as charges were not laid. A day after India captain Kohli lambasted the Australian team and just about stopped short of calling Smith a cheat, the two Boards waded into the controversy by coming out with statements backing their respective captains.

BCCI sought ICC intervention without filing an official complaint with the world governing body. The ICC said since no charges were laid against either player it will not any action. "No charges have been laid against any player under the ICC Code of Conduct following the second Test match between India and Australia in Bengaluru," the ICC said in a statement. "Specifically in relation to Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, the ICC has considered both incidents in the context of this match and concluded it will be taking no further action against either player."

Virat Kohli with Steve Smith

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said they would encourage both teams to focus their energies on the third Test in Ranchi next week. "Ahead of that, the match referee will bring both Captains together to remind them of their responsibilities to the game," Richardson said in a statement. Earlier in the day, BCCI issued a statement that it has "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 drama was triggered by Smith getting caught by umpires while glancing at the dressing room before taking a DRS call during the second Test, which ended in India's favour yesterday.

Smith tried to play down the controversy by calling it a "brain fade" but that did not stop the barrage of criticism that came his way for his on-field actions.
However, he got the backing of his Board with Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland rejecting allegations questioning Smith's integrity. "I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian Team and the dressing room, outrageous," Sutherland was quoted in a statement. "Steve is an outstanding cricketer and person, and role model to many aspiring cricketers and we have every faith that there was no ill-intent in his actions. "We reject any commentary that suggests our integrity was brought into disrepute or that systemic unfair tactics are used, and stand by Steve and the Australian Cricketers who are proudly representing our country," he added.