India's Shafali Verma Fined for Breaching ICC Code of Conduct
Shafali Verma fined and given a demerit point for breaching ICC Code of Conduct during second T20I against Zimbabwe
Indian cricketer Shafali Verma has been reprimanded and given a demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on October 18, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said.
The incident occurred in the 12th over of Zimbabwe's first innings, when Verma threw the ball into the ground in frustration after dropping a catch. This action was deemed a breach of Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.
Verma admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by G.S. Lakshmi, an Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees member, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The demerit point has been added to her disciplinary record, marking her first offence in a 24-month period.
India went on to secure an unassailable series lead with a strong display in the second match, restricting Zimbabwe to 102/8 before completing the chase in the ninth over. Verma played a key role with the bat, scoring 55 runs off 25 balls.
The two teams are set to face each other again in the third T20I on October 20 in Raipur.
India and Zimbabwe have a history of closely contested matches, with their first T20I earlier in the series being a close affair. The series has seen some impressive performances from both teams, with India ultimately taking the lead.