Indian cricket chiefs blasted the International Cricket Council on Wednesday for its outspoken criticism of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the ongoing row over World Cup television reviews. India captain Dhoni was shocked by the controversial reprieve given to Ian Bell when it seemed the England batsman was out lbw on review during Sunday's thrilling tied match, describing it as the "adulteration" of technology.
But Dave Richardson, the ICC's general manager, said that if Dhoni fully understood the rules he would have accepted the decision. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary N Srinivasan wrote to ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat on Wednesday, however, saying it took "strong objection" to Richardson's remarks.
He added that for Richardson to criticise Dhoni during the World Cup was "tantamount to pressurising the player" and that he "had no right to do so". The letter added: "Mr Richardson's comment that the Indian captain should know the rule is out of place. "The Indian captain only highlighted the inadequacy of the system and rightly so. It was there for the world to see. "The BCCI has strong reservations about the statement made by Mr Richardson. He should be instructed not to react in this fashion."
England, chasing 339 to win, finished on 338 for eight after Bell, who made 69, helped England captain Andrew Strauss, who struck a career-best 158 add 170 for the third wicket. But their stand was worth just 52 when left-arm spinner Yuvraj Singh thought he had Bell lbw on review for 17, with replays showing the ball would have hit the stumps.
Bell was reprieved by a little known regulation in the rules governing the use of the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) which says if a batsman is more than 2.5 metres down the pitch he should be given not out. Both Strauss and Dhoni admitted they had been unaware of the rule, with Dhoni saying: "The adulteration of technology with human thinking meant we didn't get that (Bell) wicket.
"If Hawk-Eye says it's good and going to hit middle stump, I see no reason why the distance matters." However, Richardson responded by saying: "Most of the time, a player is not fully aware of all the rules. "If MS Dhoni is made aware of the specifications of these rules, then I am sure that he will accept the decision that was made."
India have stood alone amongst major nations in objecting to UDRS in Tests. "The match between India and England clearly brought out the inadequacy of the system," added Srinivasan. Wednesday's row is the latest in a series of World Cup disputes between the ICC and the BCCI. They have already been at loggerheads over the readiness of stadiums and a chaotic ticketing system that led to violent clashes between police and fans in the run-up to the India-England match.
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