The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalised India pacer Kranti Gaud for breaching the Code of Conduct during the Women’s Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium.
The 23-year-old was fined 10% of her match fee and handed one demerit point after being found guilty of a Level 1 breach under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
What did Kranti Gaud do?
The incident occurred during the opening over of Sri Lanka’s innings. After dismissing opener Imesha Dulani, Gaud gestured towards the pavilion.
The match officials considered the gesture to have breached the provision concerning conduct that could provoke an aggressive reaction following a batter’s dismissal.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Saleema Imtiaz and Shathira Jakir Jesy, with third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Humaira Farah also part of the officiating team.
Gaud admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. As she accepted the charge and punishment, no formal hearing was required.
The demerit point is Gaud’s first in a 24-month period. Under the ICC disciplinary framework, Level 1 breaches can attract an official reprimand or a fine of up to 50% of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
India win record eighth Asia Cup title
The disciplinary action came a day after India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup final to win the tournament for a record-extending eighth time.
India, however, did not receive the trophy during the post-match presentation after the team declined to accept the silverware from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Pakistan also penalised
Pakistan were also sanctioned following their Women’s Asia Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka.
The Fatima Sana-led side was fined 5% of each player’s match fee after being found to have bowled one over short of the required rate, after accounting for time allowances.
The sanction was imposed by G.S. Lakshmi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees under Article 2.22, which covers minimum over-rate offences.
Pakistan captain Fatima admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, meaning no formal hearing was required. Players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their team falls short of the required rate.
