Dinesh Chandimal Reprimanded by ICC for his role in Ball Tampering

International Cricket Council (ICC) reprimanded Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal on the guilty of changing the condition of the ball during the second day’s play of the second Test, which concluded at Gros Islet on Monday.

Meanwhile, Chandimal received two suspension points and fined 100 per cent of his match fee. As a result, he will miss the third and final Test against the Windies.

During the hearing after the conclusion of the match, Chandimal admitted his guilt. However, he failed to recognise what was inside his mouth during that time. The panel included Sri Lanka team management as well as the match officials.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, on Tuesday, after utilising the time available to him under the code to make his decision, handed Chandimal the maximum punishment available under the code, i.e. two suspension points and a fine of 100 per cent of his match fee.

Meanwhile, two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is. Thus Chandimal will miss the day/night Barbados Test, starting from Saturday, 23 June. Furthermore, and because two suspension points correspond to four demerit points, this goes to Chandimal’s disciplinary record.

Srinath was clear in his verdict

Commenting on his judgement, Srinatha admitted that it is clear that Chandimal had something in mouth after reviewing the video. The former India pacer also added that Chandimal was unconvincing in his defence.

“After reviewing the footage of the incident, it is clear that Dinesh applied an artificial substance to the ball, namely saliva containing the residue of something he had in his mouth, an action which is prohibited under the ICC Code of Conduct,” Srinath said. “During the hearing, Dinesh admitted to putting something in his mouth but couldn’t remember what it was, which I found unconvincing as a defence and the fact remains it was an artificial substance,” he added.

He also added that the match officials explicitly notified both teams to vigilant towards all aspect of the game ahead of the series. ICC Chief Executive backed the decision taken by the match officials.

“The ICC fully supports the match officials in their decision and will continue to do so in any other such instances,” he said.

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