Ravindra Jadeja Trent Bridge Row: BCCI Has Video Evidence, Says Report
Ravindra Jadeja has been fined by 50 per cent of his match fee by ICC match referee David Boon for an altercation with England bowler James Anderson. BCCI has appealed against the fine.
The Board of Control for Cricket India is seemingly arming itself to the teeth to 'defend' Ravindra Jadeja in the 'Pushgate' controversy. According to a newspaper report, the Indian Board has obtained video 'evidence' to prove that Jadeja is innocent. Jadeja and England bowler James Anderson were involved in a spat on Day 2 of the first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on July 10.
According to a report in the Indian Express, the BCCI's defence counsel has procured "incriminating evidence", including video footage of the alleged incident between Jadeja and Anderson. Interestingly, no video footage was made available to ICC for investigation. In spite of BCCI and Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni saying Jadeja was innocent, ICC match referee David Boon fined the all-rounder 50 per cent of his match fee. India have appealed against the fine. The hearing will be on Friday. Anderson can be banned for up to four Tests if found guilty.
The ICC on Wednesday confirmed that, after receiving legal submissions from the BCCI, it has accepted Jadeja's request for an appeal against Boon's decision. Jadeja was found guilty of an offence under Article 2.1.8 of the Code of Conduct and fined 50 per cent of his match fee.
The appeal will be heard at the same time as the disciplinary hearing taking place in respect of the charge against James on Friday in Southampton. ICC judicial commissioner Gordon Lewis will oversee proceedings via videoconference.
Contrary to what Dhoni claimed during a press conference in Southampton on Saturday, reports have emerged that Jadeja had reacted violently, even raising his bat to strike Anderson.
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, England witnesses Ben Stokes and Matt Prior suggested to Boon during a hearing that "Jadeja had turned threateningly towards Anderson, and the England fast bowler had acted in self defence." Dhoni said Jadeja was never aggressive and kept his bat tucked under his arm. Stokes even claimed that Jadeja pushed Anderson first.