Why ICC Did Not Punish Steve Smith for Bringing Cricket into Disrepute

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is under the powerful influence of the 'Big Three': Australia, England, and India. Currently, India seems to be in a weaker position compared to Australia, leading to the withdrawal of a complaint against Steve Smith by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI). This situation prompts scrutiny on the decision-making process and the reasons behind the lack of action taken by the ICC.

Decision-Making Paralysis

One reason for the inaction is the powerful stance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Given that BCCI is the wealthiest cricket board globally, the ICC often shows favoritism toward them to maintain a good relationship. This strategic positioning ensures that the BCCI remains cooperative and does not raise issues that could undermine the ICC's overall authority and financial interests.

Moreover, the controversy that arose during the Bangalore Test match was more about the spirit of the game rather than a clear-cut violation. As the captain, Steve Smith should have been aware of the laws and acknowledged his mistake. He was willing to walk back and apologize post-match, which might have been enough to alleviate the situation without severe penalties.

No Justification for Punishment

There is no concrete evidence that Steve Smith intentionally brought the game of cricket into disrepute. Instead, he used the excuse of a 'brain fade,' which he admitted to after the match. By this argument, the ICC may have considered that taking immediate and severe action would not align with the principles of fairness and sportsmanship.

Strategic Considerations

The ICC does not want to start a debate with prominent cricket boards. If they had punished Steve Smith, it would have opened a Pandora's box: the Cricket Australia (CA) might have retaliated by seeking action against Virat Kohli. This would have led to a series of counter-moves between the ICC and the BCCI, each seeking an advantage over the other. Therefore, the decision was likely a strategic choice to maintain the status quo and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

While the reasons behind the inaction are complex, it is clear that the ICC prioritizes diplomatic and strategic considerations over what might seem like a straightforward case of misbehavior. As of now, the ICC has not taken any action, and the focus has returned to test cricket. However, the situation in the next match remains tense.

Support and belief in Indian cricket are crucial as India is set to take action and provide a befitting response. Virat Kohli, as the key figure, will play a significant role in ensuring that the Australian team faces the consequences if any further misconduct is observed. Fans should remain calm and supportive, encouraging Indian players to perform at their best.