No action against Kohli and Smith on DRS row: ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has concluded that it will be taking no further action against either Virat Kohli or Steve Smith in the DRS row.

Following India`s 75-run win in Bangalore on Tuesday to win the second Test and level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-1, Kohli had accused the touring Australians of repeatedly looking towards the dressing room for assistance in whether or to pursue the DRS for reviews, which as per the rules of the sport is not allowed.

The ICC has confirmed in a media release that no charges have been laid against any player under the ICC Code of Conduct following the second Test match between India and Australia in Bengaluru.

"Specifically in relation to Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, the ICC has considered both incidents in the context of this match and concluded it will be taking no further action against either player," read the statement.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "We have just witnessed a magnificent game of Test cricket where players from both teams gave their all and emotions were running high during and after the match.

"We would encourage both teams to focus their energies on the third Test in Ranchi next week. Ahead of that, the match referee will bring both captains together to remind them of their responsibilities to the game."

Earlier in the day, hours after the Cricket Australia (CA) CEO James Sutherland termed as "outrageous" Virat Kohli`s suggestion that Australian players, including skipper Steven Smith, had gone against the rules of the sport when using the controversial Decision Review System (DRS) during the recent Bangalore Test, the BCCI has come to the defence of India`s captain.

In a press release on Wednesday, the BCCI said that it "steadfastly stands" with Kohli and the Indian cricket team.

"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. BCCI sincerely hopes that the rest of the matches are played in the true spirit of cricket," the BCCI statement said.

Sutherland had launched a spirited defence of Smith and his team while labelling Kohli`s allegations as "outrageous". In a strongly worded statement, Sutherland - who is in India and watched the Bangalore Test - said: "I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian team and the dressing room, outrageous. Steve is an outstanding cricketer and person, and role model to many aspiring cricketers and we have every faith that there was no ill-intent in his actions."We reject any commentary that suggests our integrity was brought into disrepute or that systemic unfair tactics are used, and stand by Steve and the Australian cricketers who are proudly representing our country."

On his part, after the defeat, Smith had admitted to what he termed a "brain fade" - that is, looking in the direction of the dressing room on Tuesday after being given out lbw to Umesh Yadav.

While Kohli did not refer to the Australians as cheater, he was firm on his assessment of what he believed was unfair and claimed to have brought up the matter with the on-field umpires and Chris Broad, the ICC match referee.

Source: Times of India