Cross, Watt fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Scotland players Matthew Cross and Mark Watt have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match against the Netherlands on Saturday.

Both players were found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”

In addition to this, one demerit point each has been added to the disciplinary records of Cross and Watt, both of whom did not have any previous offences in the preceding 24-month period.

Cross showed dissent by showing his bat and delaying his departure from the crease after being adjudged LBW to spinner Roelof van der Merwe in the 46th over of Scotland’s innings.

Watt showed dissent in the 41st over of the Netherlands’ innings, when he threw his cap hard on the ground and voiced his disagreement after an appeal against batter Scott Edwards was turned down.

Both players admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Phil Thompson of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for formal hearings.

On-field umpires Riwan Akram and Roland Black, and reserve umpire Nitin Bathi levelled the charges.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

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