WI vs SL 2018, 2nd Test: Dinesh Chandimal Pleads not Guilty to Ball-Tampering Charge

Sri Lanka skipper, Dinesh Chandimal denied the ball-tampering allegations which were levelled against him by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the second Test against the Windies.

It was a chaotic situation before the start of the 3^rd day’s play between Windies and Sri Lanka. Dinesh Chandimal and the Sri Lankan players refused to take the field after the on-field umpires decided the match ball should get changed.

In addition, five penalty runs got added to the Windies total. The umpires alleged Sri Lanka of changing the condition of the ball.

Chandimal did not plead guilty

The match referee Javagal Srinath who is a part of the Emirates Elite Panel of the ICC Match Referees will take care of the matter. A hearing on the same will get held after the conclusion of the ongoing Test match between Windies and the Lankans.

The ICC released a statement. It stated Chandimal had pleaded not guilty of breaching the code of conduct.

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“Dinesh Chandimal has pleaded not guilty to breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Javagal Srinath of the Panel of ICC Match Referees will hold a hearing following the conclusion of the St Lucia Test against the Windies,” said an ICC statement.

The on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould along with 3^rd umpire Richard Kettleborough charged Chandimal at the end of the 2^nd day’s play of altering the condition of the ball.

Match officials charged the Sri Lankan skipper after television footage suggested Chandimal had tried to apply a foreign substance on the ball.

The footage appeared to show Chandimal taking sweets out from his left pocket and putting it on his mouth before applying it on the ball. The umpires viewed this as an attempt to change the condition of the ball.

Video evidence will be used in the hearing

As per the ICC press release, video evidence will be used in the hearing. It will be attended by the match officials and as well as the members of the Sri Lankan team management.

As per the new rules of ICC, any Level 2 breaches carry a fine of 50 to 100 per cent of the match fee which is applicable. It also applies to two suspension points or four demerit points.

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