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BCCI steers clear of no-ball controversy

Last updated on: August 18, 2010 15:53 IST

The Board of Control for Cricket in India stuck to its stand of steering clear of the no-ball controversy, but said the Sri Lankan Board should take action against its players if they are found guilty of violating ICC rules during the tri-series match against India at Dambulla on Monday.

BCCI Media and Finance Committee chairman Rajiv Shukla said the Board is bound by International Cricket Council rules and SLC should act under the ICC Code after a thorough probe.

"BCCI can't do anything because we are bound by ICC rules. The existing rule can't be challenged. This is an issue of conduct of a player," Shukla said.

"Sri Lankan cricket board should find out the reasons behind the incident and take strict action against those responsible. If the Sri Lankan board finds out that a player was coaxed by somebody to do so (to bowl a no-ball), then action must be taken against him," he said.

Asked about his view on Suraj Randiv apparently bowling a deliberate no-ball to Virender Sehwag to deprive the Indian opener of a century, Shukla said, "If it is true, then this is a very serious matter. If players do such a thing, then this is a very serious issue."

A six-member committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, headed by its interim chairman D S de Silva, will take a decision on the recommendations of the team manager, who probed the 'no-ball' incident and submitted his report.

With the scores levelled in Monday's tri-series match between India and Sri Lanka, off-spinner Suraj Randiv bowled a no-ball to deny Sehwag a hundred. The ploy was condemned by everyone, as it was not within the spirit of the game.

Sehwag was left stranded on 99 though he hit the no-ball for a six.

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