Anderson hearing on Aug 1

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Judicial Commissioner Gordon Lewis will hold the hearing of England fast bowler James Anderson via video-conference Aug 1.

Lewis made the announcement during the preliminary hearing on Tuesday attended by representatives of Anderson and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and their legal counsel, the ICC’s Ethics and Regulatory lawyer, and representatives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and their legal counsel.

Anderson and India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were charged under Level 3 and 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel by India team manager Sunil Dev and England team manager Phil Neale respectively following an alleged incident that took place on the second day of the first Test at Trent Bridge July 10.

All Level 3 breaches carry a penalty of between four and eight Suspension Points while Level 2 offences carry a fine of between 50-100 percent of applicable match fee and/or up to two Suspension Points. Two suspension points equates to a ban of one Test, or two One-Day Internationals (ODI), depending on which type of match is scheduled next for the suspended player.

During the preliminary hearing, the Judicial Commissioner also explained that the hearing will be conducted in accordance with Article 5.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

At the end of the hearing on Aug 1, Lewis, as per article 5.2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, will have 48 hours to announce his decision in writing with reasons. If required, he will also decide on the sanctions to be imposed, date from when the suspension(s) will be enforced and the process for right of appeal as per Article 8.

Under article 7.6.5 of the Code, if the Judicial Commissioner finds the Player or Player Support Personnel not guilty of the offence with which he has been charged, then it remains open to him, at his discretion, to find the Player or Player Support Personnel guilty of an offence of a lower level than that with which he has been charged.

Meanwhile, the ICC has confirmed that following discussions and agreement between the relevant parties and as per the Code, David Boon of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees will hold the hearing of Jadeja. Details of this hearing are being worked out and will be announced in due course.