Indian pacer Kranti Gaud has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee for breaching Level 1 of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct during the women’s Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka in Dubai on Sunday.
The ICC stated that Gaud violated Article 2.5, which prohibits “using language, actions or gestures which disparage, or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.” Following the dismissal of Sri Lankan opener Imesha Dulani in the first over of the innings, Gaud gestured towards the pavilion.
In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Gaud’s disciplinary record. This is her first offence within a 24-month period.
Gaud bowled a few overs, conceding eight runs and taking one wicket. She admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, which meant there was no need for a formal hearing.
The charge was lodged by on-field umpires Saleema Imtiaz and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Rokeya Sultana, and fourth umpire Humaira Farah. Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of the player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
India secured a record eighth Asia Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final.
Separately, Pakistan have been fined five per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate in the semifinal against Sri Lanka on Friday. GS Lakshmi of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Pakistan were found to be one over short of the required target, factoring in time allowances.
In line with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for each over not completed within the allotted time.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana pleaded guilty and accepted the sanction, avoiding a formal hearing. The charge was raised by on-field umpires Vrinda Rathi and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Rokeya Sultana, and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan.