The James Anderson-Ravindra Jadeja row has finally come to an end as the ICC stated that it is satisfied with judicial commissioner Gordon Lewis' ruling and will not challenge the verdict.
The Indian team was not satisfied with the ruling and the BCCI was mounting pressure on ICC's Chief Executive Officer Dave Richardson to challenge the verdict. However, Richardson has now informed in a statement that no further action will be taken in the case.
"This outcome is the result of two exhaustive and thorough disciplinary processes and, after considering the written decision, the ICC is satisfied with the manner in which the decisions have been reached," Richardson stated.
"It was a complicated and sensitive matter relating to charges brought against two players at different levels of the ICC Code of Conduct," he added. "There appears to have been vastly conflicting evidence on both sides, with a total of 13 witnesses who gave testimony."
Richardson insisted that they carefully analysed the judicial commissioner's report and there is no need to prolong the process. He added that both teams were given enough opportunities and closing the matter is in the best interest of everyone.
"After carefully considering the decision by Gordon Lewis, whose vast experience was invaluable to the process over recent weeks, we believe that no further purpose would be served by prolonging the process through further appeal proceedings.
"The disciplinary procedures were robust and transparent and all parties had ample opportunity to ask questions, test the evidence and make submissions. We have determined that there is no merit in an appeal and that it would not be in the best interest of the sport to take such action."
Anderson continuously sledged Jadeja in the Trent Bridge Test, despite the intervention of umpire Bruce Oxenford and also abused Mahendra Singh Dhoni. In reply, the Indian skipper warned the English pacer not to be seen around the Indian dressing room.
After the verdict, the Indian team showed displeasure about the let off, though Anderson did not contest the charges of using inappropriate language. Richardson, without taking anyone's name, pointed out in the statement that there is no place for offensive language in the game.
"International cricket is tough, competitive and uncompromising but we must reiterate that there is no place in the game for the use of offensive language that is personally insulting of one player by another," Richardson stressed.
"It is imperative that all captains, players and coaches as well as umpires and referees are reminded of and do not shirk their responsibility to one another and to the game," he added.
