UAE v Canada Match Sees Three Code of Conduct Breaches

ICC Announcement: Disciplinary Action Arising from UAE vs Canada Cricket Match

In the aftermath of the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match in Dubai between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken decisive disciplinary measures against certain players. Notably, Rahul Chopra and Mohammad Zuhaib Zubair from the UAE, along with Canada’s Srimantha Wijeyeratne, have been subject to penalties for breaches falling under Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Players and Penalties:

• Rahul Chopra: 25% of his match fee
• Mohammad Zuhaib Zubair: 20% of his match fee
• Srimantha Wijeyeratne: 20% of his match fee

Nature of Breach: The infractions relate to Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically addressing “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”

Additional Sanctions: In addition to the financial penalties, each player has received one demerit point. Importantly, none of the players had any previous offenses in the 24-month period preceding this incident.

Admission of Guilt: Chopra, Zuhaib, and Wijeyeratne expeditiously admitted their offenses and willingly accepted the sanctions proposed by Match Referee Muhammad Javed from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. This cooperation negated the need for formal hearings.

Charges and Umpires: The charges were officially leveled by on-field umpires Raveendra Wimalasari and Shiju Sam, supported by reserve umpire Asif Iqbal.

Penalties for Level 1 Breaches: Level 1 breaches carry varying penalties, ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum of 50% of a player’s match fee, along with the addition of one or two demerit points.

Demerit Points and Consequences: Demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months. Accumulating four or more within this period leads to their conversion into suspension points. Two suspension points result in a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, depending on what comes first for the player.

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the ICC’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and enforcing adherence to the established Code of Conduct. The cricketing community keenly awaits further developments in this matter.