Sri Lankan skipper Chandimal charged with ball tampering

Gros Islet (Saint Lucia): Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has been charged with "changing the condition of the ball", by the International Cricket Council (ICC), during the second Test against West Indies here.

The game's global governing body announced the news on Sunday, saying more details would follow.

"Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has been charged for breaching Level 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct. More details to follow in due course," the ICC said on its official Twitter account.

Article 2.2.9 of the ICC's code of conduct relates to changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC Standard Test Match, ODI and T20I playing conditions.

It prohibits actions such as deliberately throwing the ball into the ground for the purpose of roughening it up, applying any artificial substance to the ball and applying any non-artificial substance for any purpose other than to polish the ball.

Lifting or otherwise interfering with any of the seams of the ball and scratching the surface of the ball with finger or thumb nails or any implement are also prohibited under this clause.

On-field umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould had expressed concern over the condition of the ball on the second day of the Test. ICC match referee Javagal Srinath had awarded five runs to the West Indies on the morning of the third day.

The Sri Lanka players had taken to the field two hours after the scheduled start of play on the third day as a mark of protest.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stoutly defended the team, saying it would defend any "unwarranted allegation" against any player.

"The team management has informed us that Sri Lankan players have not engaged in any wrong doing during the ongoing (2nd) Test match played between Sri Lanka and West Indies," the SLC said in a statement.

"The team on the third day of the match protested a decision taken by the umpires citing 'changing the condition of the ball'," the statement added.

"SLC reiterates its commitment to adhering to the laws of the game and upholding the spirit of the game. SLC stands firm in our commitment to protect the dignity of the national cricketers at all times."

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