The BCCI had filed an official complaint with the ICC against Australia batsmen Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb.
However, BCCI has now decided to withdraw the complaint. Smith and Kohli are expected to meet with each other and their teams and speak about the spirit of cricket before the 3rd Test.*
The CEOs of both the boards met in Mumbai to discuss the controversy and came to a conclusion that BCCI would withdraw the complaint on the following basis,
“
BCCI will withdraw the complaint filed with ICC with an expectation that the two captains will meet prior to the Ranchi Test and commit to lead their teams by example and play the rest of the series, in the right spirit, demonstrating that the players from both teams are true ambassadors for their respective countries.
”
During the 2nd Test between India and Australia, controversy began when Steve Smith looked towards the dressing room after he got out (prompted by Peter Handscomb), looking for a sign from his team on whether he should opt for a DRS review.
This came to Umpire Nigel Llong’s attention and Smith was sent back to the pavilion.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli, in the post-match presentation, was livid and stated that they had already noticed this a few times and had brought it to the umpires’ attention.
Smith called it a “brain fade” but the story wasn’t going to end there.
A day after ICC said no official action will be taken, the BCCI has decided to file an official complaint.
The charge brought against the two is a Level 2 charge, for acting against the spirit of cricket.
The 4-match series is currently tied at 1-1, with 2 games to go.
*This news has been updated after BCCI withdrew their complaint.
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