Faf du Plessis charged by ICC for alleged ball tampering

The ICC has charged South African interim skipper Faf du Plessis for a level 2 offence, which is clearly related to the ball tampering case.

South Africa‘s interim skipper Faf du Plessis on Friday was charged by the International cricket Council (ICC) over an alleged ball tampering issue. The ICC has charged him for a level 2 offence, which is clearly related to the ball tampering case. However, du Plessis is pleading that he is not guilty of the charges pressed against him, as he also mulls to seek legal advise in order to challenge the case further, as a hearing date is yet to be confirmed by the ICC. The incident came into light during the 2nd Test vs Australia at Hobart, after television footage have revealed to be showing du Plessis shining the ball with a mint in his mouth, as he licked it with his fingers. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test at Hobart

The ICC sent out a statement on Friday, charging du Plessis for an alleged ball tampering issue, that fell under the Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct breach. The statement read that the charges pressed against du Plessis, “after television footage appeared to show him applying an artificial substance to the ball during the fourth day’s play in the second Test in Hobart”. The charges against the interim South African skipper were laid by ICC chief executive Dave Richardson, while the hearing of the case would be done by the match referee Andy Pycroft, reports espncricinfo.com.

Teh ICC statement said, “The alleged incident happened on Tuesday morning when TV footage appeared to show du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet, an artificial substance, to the ball in an attempt to change its condition.” The breach of conduct for Level 2 could see du Plessis being handed a fine of about 50-100% of his match fees and/or a couple of suspension points, and also contain three to four demerit points.

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