Ishant Sharma fined for breaching code of conduct

Brisbane, December 21

 Indian speedster Ishant Sharma has been fined 15 per cent of his match fees for breaching ICC’s ’Code of Conduct’ during the second cricket Test between India and Australia while Steve Smith was fined 60 per cent for his team’s slow over-rate.

Sharma was fined for using inappropriate language after dismissing Smith during Australia’s first innings on the third day at the Gabba.

According to a media release sent by ICC, “Sharma has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for violating Level 1 Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International match.”

“The incident happened in the first innings when Sharma was seen on television screens using inappropriate words after dismissing Australia captain Steven Smith. Sharma admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing,” it stated.

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.

ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe imposed the fine on Australia after Smith’s side was ruled to be three overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Smith has been fined 60 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 30 per cent fines. If Smith is found guilty of one more minor over-rate offence as captain in Tests over the next 12 months, he will receive a one-match suspension as per the provisions of the Code. — PTI