BCCI right over the decision to end DRS controversy: Diana Edulji

BCCI CEO Rahul Johri was engaged in a meeting in Mumbai with Cricket Australia Chief James Sutherland to interact about the DRS controversy and the Third Test in Ranchi. After a lengthy discussion that took place between the respected individuals both of them came to terms and took a stand to bring the focus back on the game and the third Test at Ranchi.

Diana Edulji, a member of the BCCI appointed Committee of Administrators (COA) completely supports BCCI’s act of ending the DRS controversy as he thinks it would have shifted the spotlight from India’s impressive win in the Bangalore Test.

“The matter was discussed by the COSA members in Bengaluru. We were in Bengaluru for the awards function where the matter was discussed with CEO Rahul Johri and coach Anil Kumble. Vikram (Limaye) joined us via video conference. We believe that for the best interest of the game, the series should go on without any hiccups,” Edulji told PTI today.

Edulji believes that it would be extremely wrong if someone thinks that BCCI did not back their captain Virat Kohli.

“Yes, we firmly stand by our captain Virat Kohli and that’s why the statement was issued supporting our captain. We have complete faith in our captain and it’s not the case that BCCI did not stand with the skipper.”

When asked about whether BCCI could have piled the pressure upon Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb by filing more charges against them, Edulji said “We thought we have had a great Test match and no one wants the focus to be shifted from cricket. We are hopeful that before Virat and Smith go out for the toss in Ranchi, they will sit across the table and amicably sort out the differences.”

If reports are to be believed James Sutherland requested Rahul Johri not to press charges against skipper Steve Smith, emphasizing on the heartfelt relation the countries have shared over cricket since long.

“Sutherland had admitted that it was a mistake on part of Steve Smith but requested BCCI CEO to move on. He reminded him of how Cricket Australia has been a partner of BCCI over the years. How both countries have benefitted from the bilateral series. He said how Australian cricketers have always been released for IPL duties. The likes of David Warner, Shane Watson, Steve Smith have all been top draws in the cash-rich league,” a source privy to developments said.

However, there has been eruptions in the Indian Team about the fact that an Australian daily highlighted Virat Kohli’s alleged misbehaviour after he was dismissed leg before wicket in the second innings of the second Test.

It was learnt that Anil Kumble did speak to Chris Broad but it was only after the match referee had told the India chief coach that he was available for a meeting during a particular time of play.