ICC disappointed with Faf du Plessis’ decision to appeal against ball-tampering sanction

“The ICC is disappointed that Faf du Plessis has chosen not to accept the findings of match referee Andy Pycroft and will instead exercise his right to appeal,” the ICC said in a statement.

An independent Judicial Commissioner will hear the appeal as soon as possible.

The incident took place during the second Test in Hobart. TV footage showed du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint to the ball in an attempt to shine it.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat has backed du Plessis’ decision to appeal against the charges, saying that the decision was taken by a legal team after studying the written reasons provided by the match referee.

“In his mind Faf is clear that he did not alter the condition of the ball nor did he intend to do so and that the match referee was not correct to find him guilty. He is understandably feeling aggrieved,” Lorgat told AFP news agency. “There are issues relating to fair and just process, interpretation of the rules, science and performance that need to be considered.”

However, the ICC is clear that under the laws a player should not use artificial substances to shine the ball.

“The ICC understands that to include, but is not limited to, sunscreen, lip ice and residue from sweets. The ICC does not wish to prevent players from using these substances for legitimate purposes, however, any deliberate attempt to apply such substances to the ball, as was the case here, will not be acceptable,” the ICC statement said.

Du Plessis told a press conference ahead of the third Test that he has done nothing wrong, and that this was practiced by every team.

“Following the appeal we will review the matter along with our members and the MCC to see if there are any learnings to be taken from this issue,” the ICC statement said.