Shamsi and Wade fined, both receive one demerit point for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi and Matthew Wade of Australia have both been fined 25 per cent of their match fees for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their sides’ fourth One-Day International in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. Both the players were found to have breached Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game”. In accordance with Article 7.3 of the revised Code, which came into effect on 22 September, in addition to the sanction imposed for their breach of Article 2.1.1, one demerit point has been added to Shamsi and Wade’s disciplinary record. Pursuant to Article 7.6 of the Code, if Shamsi and Wade reach four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, their demerit points will be converted into, at least, two suspension points which will equate to a ban from his next match or matches. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player. The incidents happened during the 17^th over of Australia’s innings when Shamsi and Wade twice ignored the umpires’ instructions by continuing to verbally and aggressively engage with each other for a prolonged period and in doing so, displayed behaviour which was deemed as contrary to the spirit of the game. Following the conclusion of the match, Wade admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. However, Shamsi pleaded not guilty and, as such, a formal hearing took place in the team hotel in Port Elizabeth in which video evidence was also used. The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Nigel Llong, third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Shaun George. 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.