India women’s cricket team opener Shafali Verma has received an official reprimand from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching its Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur.
The incident occurred after the Indian batter dropped a catch and threw the ball onto the ground in frustration.
Shafali admitted the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the ICC. Along with the official reprimand, one demerit point has been added to her disciplinary record.
Why did the ICC take action against Shafali Verma?
According to the ICC, Shafali breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The regulation deals with the abuse or misuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment or fixtures during an international match.
The incident took place during the 12th over of Zimbabwe’s innings in the second T20I on October 18 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
Shafali was stationed at mid-off when Zimbabwe batter Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano played a lofted shot off the bowling of Sree Charani. The ball went towards Shafali, but she failed to complete the catch.
Frustrated by the missed opportunity, the Indian fielder threw the ball onto the ground. The incident caught the attention of the match officials and subsequently led to disciplinary action from the ICC.
Shafali Verma gets One Demerit Point
The ICC confirmed that Shafali received an official reprimand and one demerit point for the offence. It was her first breach of this nature in a 24-month period, according to the governing body’s records.
Shafali admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by G.S. Lakshmi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. As a result, there was no need for a formal hearing.
The incident falls under a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. Such offences can attract an official reprimand and demerit points, with more serious penalties possible depending on the circumstances and disciplinary record.
A repeat offence could lead to additional disciplinary consequences. However, any future punishment would depend on the nature of the breach and the applicable ICC regulations.
Shafali Verma shines with the bat as India seal T20I series
Despite the incident on the field, Shafali produced a superb performance with the bat as India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second T20I in Raipur.
Zimbabwe managed 102/8 in their 20 overs, setting India a target of 103 runs. Shafali then took control of the chase, smashing 55 runs off just 25 deliveries.
She received excellent support from captain Smriti Mandhana, who remained unbeaten on 47 off 25 balls. Their attacking partnership helped India reach 104/1 in just 8.5 overs, sealing a convincing victory.
The win gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, with one match remaining. The third and final T20I is scheduled to take place in Raipur on October 20.
While Shafali’s explosive batting played a major role in India’s victory, the ICC sanction has also brought attention to the importance of maintaining discipline and composure on the field.