Faf du Plessis fined 50% of his match fee for ball tampering

Faf du Plessis pleaded guilty to the charge of ball tampering

South African batsman Faf du Plessis was fined 50% of his match fee after he pleaded guilty to the charge of ball tampering in the ongoing 2nd Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

According to the article 2.2.9 offence of the ICC Code of Conduct, du Plessis was guilty of “changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 of the Laws of Cricket, as modified by ICC Standard Test Match, ODI and Twenty20 International Match Playing Conditions clause 42.1.”

During the 31st over of Pakistan’s second innings, du Plessis was seen rubbing the ball on the zipper of his trousers and was spotted by the TV cameras.

The TV umpire brought this to the notice of the on-field umpires who then called up skipper Graeme Smith and changed the ball. South Africa were also penalised 5 runs, which were added to Pakistan’s score yesterday.

Before the start of the play today on Day 4, match referee David Boon announced the decision to fine du Plessis who had accepted to being guilty yesterday evening.

“After discussions with Mr du Plessis, he has elected not to contest that charge, but I am also satisfied that this was not part of a deliberate and/or prolonged attempt to unfairly manipulate the condition of the ball, and that the imposition of a fine of 50 per cent of his match fee is appropriate considering the circumstances,” Mr. Boon said.