Babar Azam, the ace batsman from Pakistan, has been penalized with 10 % of his match fee after being declared guilty of a Level 1 violation of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third One Day International match played against the Sri Lankan team in Rawalpindi.
The offence occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings, when Babar, after being dismissed, struck the stumps with his bat as he left the crease an action which breached Article 2.2 of the Code, relating to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”
In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been incremented on his disciplinary record. This is Babar’s first offense in a 24-month span, which made the sanction taken without a formal hearing after his confession and acceptance of the proposed penalty.
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The ICC statement mentioned that Level 1 violations have a minimum sanction consisting of an official reprimand and a maximum fine of 50% of the match fee plus up to two demerit points. Thus, Babar has already opened a disciplinary record under the two-year rolling system; in that period, the accumulate of four demerit points would mean converting to suspension.
Nevertheless, Babar’s overall output was still strong in the series, he was the series’ highest run-getter for Pakistan with 165 runs, of which one was his 20th ODI century.
Although the fine and demerit point are insignificant regarding his total performance, the event is an instance of reminding the ICC’s strategy to uphold discipline and the spirit of cricket even at the highest level. Now for Babar, the challenge is to avoid further incidents that might lead him to be suspended, and at the same time, lend support to his impeccable batting and conduct.
Written By:- Manjunath S