The International Cricket Council (ICC) fined Ravindra Jadeja 25% of his match fee and gave him a demerit point for applying a soothing cream to his index finger without informing the on-field umpires. The incident occurred on Day 1 of India’s first Test match against Australia, when Jadeja took a substance from Mohammed Siraj’s palm and rubbed it onto the index finger of his left hand. While the incident sparked considerable debate, ICC made it abundantly clear that the cream was used solely for medical purposes.
“Ravindra Jadeja was found to have violated Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to displaying conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game,” the ICC said.
“The cream was being applied to a swelling on the index finger of the finger spinner’s bowling hand, according to India team management. This was done without asking the on-field umpires for permission “the statement went on to say.
“In reaching his decision to sanction the player along with the Level 1 sanction he imposed, the Match Referee was satisfied that the cream was applied to the finger purely for medical purposes. The cream was not applied to the ball as an artificial substance, and as a result, it did not change the condition of the ball, which would have violated clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions – Unfair Play – The Match Ball – Changing its Condition,” the website added.
