Official statements released by two boards, BCCI to withdraw complaint against Smith and Handscomb

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to withdraw the complaint it registered against Australian skipper Steve Smith. The entire scenario dates back to the day 4 of the recently concluded Bengaluru Test. Australian skipper Steve Smith was given out by the on-field umpire. After discussion with the non-striker batsman Peter Handscomb, Smith was expected to decide whether or not to take the DRS. He, however, was seen looking towards the dressing room trying to seek help on the referral.

This did not go down well with the Indian captain Virat Kohli and the on-field umpire Nigel Llong. Smith then walked back to the pavilion. In the post-match presentation, Kohli blasted Smith for his behaviour. Later, the BCCI said they stand by the Indian skipper and registered an official complaint against Steve Smith for his inappropriate violation of DRS rules.

However, as per the recent reports, the BCCI and Cricket Australia (CA) have sat down together to come to terms on the issue. Both boards have decided to resolve the issue and bring back the focus to the on-field action rather than the brouhaha surrounding the DRS gate. BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and CA CEO James Sutherland met at the BCCI Headquarters at Mumbai to discuss the same.

Both the boards released their respective statements after the meeting and thereby bringing a closure to the entire seen. Both parties noted that it is the game that if of importance and hence it would be nice to bring an end to the topic here itself.

“A series between India and Australia is bound to generate considerable excitement for fans in both the countries. On the field, the two teams are fierce competitors who represent their countries with pride. As we have seen this week in Bangalore, with so much at stake, tensions can bubble over. We are half way through what has already been a riveting series – and there is still much to look forward to. In discussing the relevant issues in depth, we have agreed that it is in the best interests of the game to put these differences aside and clear the way for the focus to be on the cricket and the remaining matches of the series,” said James Sutherland.

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“India has always cherished a contest with Australia and over the years, the performances of both, the teams and the players, are testimony to the level of competitiveness that exists between these two teams. While having responded officially to one such incident which happened in the last Test, together, we believe that the focus of the teams and the joy they provide to the fans, should not be diluted and it is imperative to ensure that the rest of the series, which promises a great cricketing contest, not be compromised,” said Rahul Johri.