New Delhi, 20 October (H.S.): Indian women’s cricketer Shafali Verma has received an official reprimand for breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct during the second T20 International against Zimbabwe on Sunday. One demerit point has also been added to her disciplinary record.

Shafali was found guilty of violating Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which concerns the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match.

The incident occurred during the 12th over of Zimbabwe’s innings. Shafali dropped a catch offered by Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano at mid-off off the bowling of Indian bowler Sree Charani. In a display of frustration following the missed opportunity, Shafali threw the ball onto the ground.

Shafali admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by G. S. Lakshmi of the ICC International Match Referees’ Panel, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. This was her first offence within a 24-month period.

The charges were brought by on-field umpires Vrinda Rathi and Gayatri Venugopalan, third umpire Anna Harris, and fourth umpire Janani Narayanan.

A Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct can attract an official reprimand or a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee. Depending on the nature of the offence, one or two demerit points may also be awarded.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar