Breaking: Ravindra Jadeja Found Guilty of ICC Code of Conduct Breach- Details and Consequences

The India all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, has been found guilty of violating the ICC Code of Conduct. On Thursday, February 9th, during the 46th over of Australia’s first innings, Jadeja was seen applying a soothing cream to his index finger, which contravened Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article pertains to displaying conduct that goes against the spirit of the game.

Ravindra Jadeja found guilty

One demerit point has been added to Jadeja’s disciplinary record, marking his first offence in a 24-month period. The incident was captured on video footage, where Jadeja was seen taking a substance from Mohammed Siraj’s palm and rubbing it onto the index finger of his left hand without seeking permission from the on-field umpires. The India team management explained that the cream was applied to a swelling on the finger for medical purposes.

Match Referee Decision

Jadeja admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, thus avoiding a formal hearing. The Match Referee was satisfied that the cream was applied to the finger solely for medical reasons and was not used as an artificial substance to change the condition of the ball, which would have been a breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions – Unfair Play – The Match Ball – Changing its Condition.

Level 1 sanctions, as imposed by the Match Referee, carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. The on-field umpires Nitin Menon, Richard Illingworth, third umpire Michael Gough, and fourth umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan were the ones who levelled the charge against Jadeja.

In conclusion, Ravindra Jadeja’s violation of the ICC Code of Conduct serves as a reminder to all players and personnel to uphold the spirit of the game and abide by its rules and regulations. Although he was found guilty and given a Level 1 sanction, it is important to note that the cream was applied for purely medical reasons and did not change the condition of the ball.