SOUTHAMPTON: The International Cricket Council on Sunday accused India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni of “undermining” its disciplinary process by condemning a fine handed against team-mate Ravindra Jadeja.

Dhoni said Saturday that Jadeja had been the target of “hurtful” treatment when he was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for misconduct in an incident with England bowler James Anderson during the first Test in Nottingham on July 10.

Jadeja fine decision very hurtful, says Dhoni

England captain Alastair Cook, not long after India brought ICC charges against Anderson, accused the tourists of making a “mountain out of a molehill “in a “tactic” to try to get the paceman banned.

ICC chief executive David Richardson, in a statement, urged all those involved to respect the disciplinary process.

“England captain Alastair Cook and, more recently, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni have made public comments relating to the alleged incident that took place during the first Test at Trent Bridge, the latter of which is critical of and undermines the ICC disciplinary process,” Richardson said.

Richardson, a former South African wicketkeeper, also said the ICC endorsed match referee David Boon’s decision regarding Jadeja.

“The ICC would also like to reiterate its full support of the process followed and respect for the decision made by David Boon,” said Richardson.

“ICC Code of Conduct hearings of this nature are, generally speaking, difficult processes to work through, with detailed legal submissions, witness statements and oral witness testimony.

“We are satisfied that Mr Boon carefully and comprehensively considered the evidence and submissions presented to him at the hearing, which included conflicting evidence from both sides, prior to making his decision.”

Richardson added: “In legal matters such as this, the ICC takes extremely seriously its duty as administrators of the game.

“Therefore, I request all stakeholders to respect the process which remains ongoing and remind them of their duties to the integrity of the process and the sport so that we can focus on the game of cricket itself.”

Anderson faces a separate hearing on August 1, the day after the third Test is due to finish, before ICC code of conduct commissioner Gordon Lewis, a retired Australian judge.

Jadeja and Anderson were involved in an incident as both walked off the field for the lunch break.

Dhoni said Saturday that Jadeja had been on the receiving end of “foul langauge” and physical assault.

Following Dhoni’s remarks on Saturday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) declined to comment”, saying they were forbidden from doing so under ICC regulations.

The first Test was drawn. But India lead the five-match series with England 1-0 after a 95-run win in the second Test at Lord’s — a match that ended with Jadeja running out Anderson, after which the two players were photographed shaking hands.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2014