DRS issue resolved as BCCI, CA issue joint statement; India withdraw complaint

Mumbai, March 10: India and Australian cricket boards have resolved the Decision Review System (DRS) controversy and put back the "focus on cricket".

BCCI complains to ICC; Australian media criticises Kohli

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia (CA) issued a joint statement last night (March 9) stating that DRS issue had been resolved and they will focus on cricket with 2 more Tests to be played in Ranchi and Dharamsala.

File photo: Kohli (2nd left) gets angry at Australians after Smith (right) tries to

BCCI has also decided to withdraw the complaint against Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb. (Kohli blasts Smith over DRS issue)

In the Bengaluru Test, Smith tried to cheat by looking towards the dressing room for signals to use DRS after he was given out LBW to Umesh Yadav. India won the Test to level the 4-match rubber 1-1. (CA defends Smith)

However, tensions escalated between the sides after Indian captain Virat Kohli blasted his counterpart Smith and the Australians for trying to "cheat" while using DRS.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) stepped in and said they won't press any charges against both captains.

Later, BCCI decided to lodge an official complaint with the ICC. But now, a meeting between the CEOs of both boards has put paid to all the controversy.

"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 in Bangalore," BCCI and CA said in a joint statement on Thursday.

"CEO of BCCI Mr Rahul Johri and CEO of Cricket Australia Mr James Sutherland met at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai today and, in discussing the matters at length, agreed the importance of bringing back the focus to the game and the much anticipated next Test match in Ranchi," it added.

CA CEO James Sutherland said, "A series between India and Australia is bound to generate considerable excitement for fans in both the countries. On the field the two teams are fierce competitors who represent their countries with pride. As we have seen this week in Bangalore, with so much at stake, tensions can bubble over.

"We are half way through what has already been a riveting series - and there is still much to look forward to. In discussing the relevant issues in depth, we have agreed that it is in the best interests of the game to put these differences aside and clear the way for the focus to be on the cricket, and the remaining matches of the series.

Rahul Johri, CEO of BCCI, 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 of competitiveness that exists between these two teams.

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

The statement said Kohli and Smith will meet before the start of the 3rd Test in Ranchi. The match begins on March 16.

"Subsequently, BCCI will withdraw the complaint filed with ICC with an expectation that the two captains will meet prior to the Ranchi Test and commit to lead their teams by example and play the rest of the series, in the right spirit, demonstrating that the players from both teams are true ambassadors for their respective countries," the statement said.

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