India’s opening batter Pratika Rawal has been fined 10% of her match fee and received one demerit point for two separate incidents of “inappropriate physical contact” during the first ODI against England.
What Happened on the Field?
The incidents unfolded during a tense match in Southampton. Pratika Rawal was found to have made avoidable physical contact with England players on two occasions within a short span.
The first incident occurred in the 18th over. While running a single, Rawal brushed shoulders with bowler Lauren Filer, who was in her follow-through. Both players had their arms spread out immediately after the contact.
Soon after, in the very next over, Rawal was dismissed. As she walked back to the pavilion, she made similar contact, brushing shoulders with England bowler Sophie Ecclestone, who had clapped in the batter’s direction.
Breach of Conduct
Rawal’s actions were deemed a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. Specifically, she violated Article 2.12, which addresses “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person.”
This is Rawal’s first offense within a 24-month period, leading to the addition of one demerit point to her disciplinary record.
England Also Fined
It wasn’t just individual players facing penalties. The England team also received a fine for a separate offense. They were docked 5% of their match fee due to a slow over-rate.
England was found to be one over short of their target after accounting for all time allowances. This falls under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which mandates a 5% match fee fine for every over a team fails to bowl in the allotted time.
Sanctions Accepted
Both Pratika Rawal and England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt quickly admitted to their respective offenses. They accepted the sanctions proposed by Sarah Bartlett, the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referee, which meant there was no need for formal hearings.
The charges against the players and teams were levelled by on-field umpires Sue Redfern and Jacquline Williams, along with third umpire Anna Harris and fourth umpire Rob White.
Understanding Demerit Points
Level 1 breaches typically carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum of 50% of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points. These demerit points are a crucial part of the disciplinary system.
If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, these points are converted into suspension points. Two suspension points can result in a ban from one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first.
Demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months before they are expunged.
- Pratika Rawal fined 10% match fee and one demerit point for physical contact.
- Two separate incidents with England bowlers Lauren Filer and Sophie Ecclestone occurred.
- England team also fined 5% match fee for slow over-rate.
- Both Rawal and England captain accepted sanctions without formal hearings.
- Accumulating four demerit points within 24 months leads to a ban.
These penalties highlight the ICC’s strict stance on maintaining discipline and fair play in international cricket.
