Wanindu Hasaranga and Rahmanullah Gurbaz Fined for ICC Code of Conduct Breach – Cricket World Cup Wanindu Hasaranga and Rahmanullah Gurbaz Fined for ICC Code of Conduct Breach – Cricket World Cup
Wanindu Hasaranga and Rahmanullah Gurbaz Fined for ICC Code of Conduct Breach – Cricket World Cup

February 24, 2024

Wanindu Hasaranga and Rahmanullah Gurbaz Fined for ICC Code of Conduct Breach – Cricket World Cup

Media Release

Sri Lanka’s T20I captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been handed a two-match suspension and a 50% fine by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after accumulating five demerit points within 24 months. The sanctions follow a recent ICC Code of Conduct breach during the third T20I against Afghanistan, where Hasaranga confronted umpire Lyndon Hanibal over a decision.

The incident occurred after the match’s conclusion when Hasaranga criticized umpire Hanibal for not calling a waist-high no-ball against Afghanistan’s Wafadar Momand. The Sri Lankan captain expressed his frustration, stating, “That kind of thing shouldn’t happen in an international match. If the ball had been close to waist height, it wouldn’t have posed a significant risk. However, considering the ball went much higher, it could have potentially hit the batsman’s head if the trajectory had been just a bit higher.

Hasaranga’s five demerit points equate to two suspension points, resulting in a ban from either one Test, two ODIs, or T20Is, depending on which format comes first for the player. Consequently, in their upcoming series, Hasaranga will miss Sri Lanka’s first two T20Is against Bangladesh.

In addition to the sanctions against Hasaranga, Afghanistan player Rahmanullah Gurbaz has also been penalized with a 15% fine for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in the exact match. The ICC emphasizes the importance of maintaining the spirit of the game and expects players to respect the officials and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

Rahmanullah was found to have breached article 2.4 of the Code, which relates to “Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match.”

In addition to the sanctions imposed on Wanindu Hasaranga and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, both players have updated their disciplinary records with additional demerit points. Rahmanullah received one demerit point for his second offense within 24 months, bringing his cumulative total to two. The Afghanistan player was penalized for changing the grip of his bat on the field despite receiving multiple warnings not to do so.

Sri Lankan cricketer Wanindu Hasaranga and Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz have accepted the sanctions proposed by Chris Broad, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. The penalties were imposed based on the players’ offenses, with Level 2 breaches carrying a fine of between 50% and 100% of a player’s match fee, in addition to three or four demerit points. 

Level 1 breaches result in a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

The charges were brought forward by on-field umpires Lyndon Hannibal and Raveendra Wimalasiri, third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, and fourth umpire Ranmore Martinez, who closely monitored the players’ conduct throughout the match.

The ICC maintains a strict stance on upholding the spirit of the game and expects players to respect officials while adhering to the Code of Conduct. These recent incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and professionalism in international cricket, as players’ actions on and off the field can significantly impact their careers and the reputation of the sport as a whole.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

**When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned *

***Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player *

***Demerit Points to remain on a Player or Player Support Personnel’s disciplinary record for a period of twenty-four (24) months from their imposition following which they will be expunged

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author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.