Calcutta: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has "dismissed" Faf du Plessis's appeal against the world governing body's decision of holding him guilty of ball-tampering during the recent series against Australia.

Michael Beloff, the chair of ICC's code of conduct commission, rejected the South Africa captain's appeal.

Du Plessis was found guilty of changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 during the fourth day's play in the second Test against Australia in Hobart.

"... the original decision of ICC Match Referee, Mr Andy Pycroft, finding Du Plessis guilty of a breach of Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct will stand. Mr Pycroft had handed a 100 per cent match fee fine, and consequently three demerit points, to Du Plessis on November 22 following his hearing of the charge, which was laid by the ICC chief executive David Richardson," an ICC media release on Wednesday read.

However, Du Plessis and South Africa will be relieved that the ICC chose to stick with the earlier sanctions, which means that he will be free to play in the first Test against Sri Lanka starting on Boxing Day.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has accepted the decision. "We are satisfied with the matter being given due consideration by a person independent of the ICC. Both CSA and Faf believed that this appeal was imperative considering the important principles at stake," said CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

Du Plessis was represented by a legal counsel in the appeal hearing convened in Dubai on Monday. The hearing lasted two-and-a-half hours, during which the player himself joined via video link.

ICC chief executive Richardson said: "It is the duty of the ICC to ensure fair play on the cricket field."