The International Cricket Council will not overrule match referee Mike Denness' decision to fine and impose a suspended ban on Sachin Tendulkar for his behaviour in the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth.
TV evidence showed Tendulkar using a fingernail to tamper with the ball, and former England captain Denness made his decision after a meeting with the Indian player.
There has been outrage at the penalty in India, but ICC communications manager Mark Harrison insisted today: "On the match referee's judgement there is no right of appeal."
The Indian cricket board have asked for Denness to be replaced as match referee for the third Test in Centurion, but the ICC are playing the situation cautiously.
"The Indian board have been requested to outline their position in writing to the ICC. As and when that arrives we'll deal with it, said Harrison.
Tendulkar was fined 75 percent of his match fee and handed a one-match suspended ban, while five of his team-mates were also punished.
PA