BCCI withdraws complaint against Smith and Handscomb

The BCCI decided to take back the complaint against Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb on the controversial Decision Review System (DRS) call issue that led to war of words between the rival teams.

The BCCI had lodged an official complaint trying to press Level 2 charge against Smith and Handscomb for violating the spirit of the game. 

However Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive JamesSutherland met his opposite number Rahul Johri at theBCCI headquarters in Mumbai to resolve the issue.

It was decided that the two captains would meet in Ranchi to solve the crisis.

"BCCI and CA have resolved to restore focus on the ongoing series amidst the increased attention towards issues which have emanated during the course of the 2nd Test match inBangalore," a press release stated. Johri and Sutherland discussed the matters at length, isbound agreed the importance of bringing back the focus to the game and the much anticipated next Test match in Ranchi.

Sutherland said, "A series between India and Ausis bound to generate considerable excitement for fans in both thecountries. On the field the two teams are fierce competitorswho represent their countries with pride. As we have seen thisweek in Bangalore, with so much at stake, tensions can bubbleover. "We are half way through what has already been a rivetingseries - and there is still much to look forward to. Indiscussing the relevant issues in depth, we have agreed thatit is in the best interests of the game to put thesedifferences aside and clear the way for the focus to be on thecricket, and the remaining matches of the series."     

Johri on his part said "India has always cherished a contest with Australia and over the years, the performances of both, the teams and the players, are testimony to the level ofcompetitiveness that exists between these two teams.

"While having responded officially to one such incidentwhich happened in the last Test, together, we believe that thefocus of the teams and the joy they provide to the fans, should not be diluted and it is imperative to ensure that therest of the series, which promises a great cricketing contest, not be compromised," he concluded.

Read Also | IND vs AUS: BCCI lodges complaint with ICC against Smith, Handscomb