The Board of Control for Cricket in India has thrown its weight behind India and skipper Virat Kohli in light of the controversy erupting over Australia’s alleged Decision Review System gaffe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the BCCI also informed that it had asked the International Cricket Council to take cognizance of the fact that the Australian skipper Steve Smith admitted to making a mistake during the post-match press conference following India’s 75-run win over Australia in the second test on Tuesday.
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India, after due deliberation and seeing the video replays of the episode, steadfastly stands with the Indian Cricket Team and its Captain Mr Virat Kohli,” said the statement.
“Mr Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary. Mr. Kohli’s action was supported by ICC Elite Panel Umpire Mr. Nigel Llong who rushed in to dissuade Mr. Steve Smith from taking recourse to inappropriate assistance.”
In the press conference following the match, Kohli had claimed that Australia had twice tried to seek assistance from the dressing room while contemplating taking a DRS referral. Smith too had later admitted to the transgression, adding that he should not have done it.
“BCCI 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 statement added. “BCCI sincerely hopes that the rest of the matches are played in the true spirit of cricket.”
Earlier in the day, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland had termed the accusations as “outrageous”.