Indians brought game into disrepute: Denness

At the official press conference, it was announced that Sachin Tendulkar has been found guilty of tampering with the ball and bringing the game into disrepute, and fined 75 per cent of his match fees. He has also been given a one-Test suspended sentence.

Virendra Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Deep Dasgupta and Shiv Sundar Das have all been held guilty of attempting to influence the umpire's decision, and attempting to influence the umpire by charging him. All have been fined 75 per cent of their match fees, and have been given a suspended one-Test ban, which can be enforced in case of any other violation till January 2002.

Virendra Sehwag has been penalised for a breach of conduct for similar offences, fined 75 per cent of his match fees, and suspended for one Test with immediate effect.

Sourav Ganguly has been fined 75 per cent of his match fees for bringing the game into disrepute, and has been given a suspended ban of one Test plus a fine of 75 per cent of the match fees.

Mike Denness was present at the press conference. He refused to either explain the decisions, or to answer any questions.

Ravi Shastri said it best. "If Denness won't answer questions, what is he doing here? We all know what he looks like."

One other thing came out of the press conference -- it was categorically stated that India cannot appeal the decision.

What is ball tampering?

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