Jadeja was sanctioned by ICC for applying cream without the umpires’ knowledge. Ravindra Jadeja has been fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point for applying an ointment on his finger without informing the umpires.
“The India team management had explained that the finger spinner was applying the cream to a swelling on the index finger of his bowling hand. This was done without asking for permission from the on-field umpires,” stated the ICC in a media release. The ICC further explained that the match referee was convinced that the cream was not applied for any other purpose which could have constituted Jadeja being charged with ball-tampering.
“In reaching his decision to sanction the player along with the Level 1 sanction he imposed, the Match Referee was satisfied that the cream was applied to the finger purely for medical purposes. The cream was not applied as an artificial substance to the ball and consequently, it did not change the condition of the ball, which would have been in breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions - Unfair Play - The Match Ball - Changing its Condition,” said the ICC statement.