Brar handed one demerit point for ICC Code of Conduct level one breach against England
Dubai, July 16
India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has been handed an official warning and handed one demerit point for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against England at Edgbaston.
The incident occurred during the eighth over of the England innings on July 14, when Brar picked up the ball while fielding and threw it towards the batter in an inappropriate and dangerous manner.
According to an ICC statement, Brar was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to 'throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match.'
Consequently, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of Brar, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period. "Brar admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, and as such, there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said on Thursday.
The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Mike Burns, third umpire Sam Nogajski, and fourth umpire Russell Warren. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points.
When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and the player faces a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, whichever comes first.
These demerit points remain on a player's disciplinary record for a period of 24 months from their imposition, after which they are expunged. India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a six-wicket win over England, where Brar picked two wickets for the visitors. The two teams will next face in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm glad the ICC is taking player safety seriously. Throwing the ball at the batter in a dangerous manner is unacceptable, even in the heat of the moment. Brar is a talented fast bowler and he should focus on his bowling, not dangerous actions. Good that he accepted the sanction without fuss. Kudos to the match referee for handling this promptly!
This is just a minor thing - one demerit point and a warning. Brar bowled well in that game and took two wickets. The team won. Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. All fast bowlers have moments of aggression. The key is to learn and move on. I hope the media doesn't blow this up unnecessarily. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
As someone who follows cricket closely, I think the ICC is right to stamp out such behaviour. But let's be honest - this happens all the time and rarely gets penalized. Brar just got caught because the throw was particularly dangerous. He's a good bowler and will bounce back from this. The demerit system is a good deterrent though.
Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed in Brar. Our players should set an example, especially at the international level. Throwing the ball dangerously at a batsman is just not cricket. He needs to control his temper. But credit to him for admitting his mistake - that takes character. Hope he focuses on his bowling and helps India win the series! 2 wickets in the first game was promising.
Five-match officials saw it and agreed it was dangerous. I trust their
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