Yuvraj fined for ICC Code of Conduct breach
Left-hander found guilty of dissent, fined 20 per cent of match fee following dismissal in Jaipur ODI
India’s Yuvraj Singh has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct during his side’s ODI against Pakistan on Sunday.
The punishment was handed down by ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama of the Emirates Elite Panel following a hearing following the match in Jaipur.
The player was charged under clause 2.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct which refers to “Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision.”
The charge was laid by on-field umpires Billy Doctrove of the Emirates Elite Panel and Suresh Shastri, as well as third umpire Amiesh Saheba, the latter two officials both members of the Emirates International Panel.
It related to the aftermath of Yuvraj’s dismissal, caught behind by wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed off the bowling of Umar Gul as he attempted a hook shot. After umpire Shastri raised the finger the player stood his ground and then appeared to indicate the ball hit his shoulder rather than the bat before he started to leave the crease.
At the hearing Yuvraj pleaded not guilty to the charge and also apologized for any offence he may have caused the umpires and, in reaching his decision, Mr Mahanama took into account not only that apology but also the fact that it was the player’s first appearance at a Code of Conduct hearing in eight years at international level.
On that basis he downgraded the charge to Level 1.3, “Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision,” something he is entitled to do under the Code of Conduct.
Explaining his decision after the hearing, Mr Mahanama said: “I took into account several factors in downgrading the charge, including the player’s previous excellent conduct, his apology at the hearing, the fact it was a spontaneous act out of character with his normal behaviour and that he did not appear to use foul or offensive language.
“However, the fact remains that when the umpire raises his finger a player must leave the crease immediately and without question no matter what he may think of the decision.
“That is one of cricket’s most fundamental principles and Yuvraj’s failure to adhere to that principle, especially given the message his action sends out to the millions of people watching at the ground and on television, merited some form of action.”
The hearing was attended by the three umpires named above, the player concerned, India team manager Lalchand Rajput and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Video evidence was used during the hearing.
A Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to the equivalent of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.
In the case of Level 1 breaches of the Code the match referee’s decision is final and there is no right of appeal.
The ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Officials can be found at: http: //in.yimg.com/icccricket/pdfs/code-of-conduct-for-players-and-officials.pdf
