ICC not to appeal Lewis' decision

The Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson controversy reached its final point on Wednesday with the International Cricket Council deciding not to appeal Gordon Lewis’ verdict on the issue.

Lewis, the ICC-appointed Judicial Commissioner, had decided that both Jadeja and Anderson were not guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, following an extensive disciplinary hearing held in Southampton after the third Test.

“After assessing the content of the decision, the ICC is satisfied with the reasons provided and has elected not to exercise its discretion to appeal against the decision relating to James Anderson, pursuant to clause 8.3.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct,” said Dave Richardson, the ICC Chief Executive, in a release.

“This outcome is the result of two exhaustive and thorough disciplinary processes and, after considering the written decision, the ICC is satisfied with the manner in which the decisions have been reached.

“It was a complicated and sensitive matter relating to charges brought against two players at different levels of the ICC Code of Conduct. There appears to have been vastly conflicting evidence on both sides, with a total of 13 witnesses who gave testimony. After carefully considering the decision by Gordon Lewis, we believe that no further purpose would be served by prolonging the process through further appeal proceedings,” added Richardson.

While stating that the disciplinary procedures were transparent, Richardson said the ICC would review its Code of Conduct to handle such case more efficiently in future. In his written verdict, Lewis had underscored the need to examine the existing Code to make it more contemporary.

“As a matter of best practice, the ICC will now review the procedures as set out in the Code and reflect upon the comments made by Gordon Lewis in his decision about how a case of this nature might better be provided for in the future,” he said.

Richardson added that there was no place for offensive language and actions in cricket, reminding the captains, players and coaches as well as umpires and referees to stay true to their responsibilities.