Ex-Ireland Captain Fined for Violating ICC Code of Conduct
In his 100th T20I match for Ireland, former captain Balbirnie was fined 25% of his match fee for breaching Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article pertains to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”
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Level 1 breaches, such as this, carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Consequently, Balbirnie’s disciplinary record now includes one demerit point. This is his first offence within a 24-month period.
@balbo90 pic.twitter.com/opgcn2BOcJ
The incident took place during the 16th over of Ireland’s batting innings. Balbirnie disputed a leg-before wicket decision, indicating to the umpire that the ball had hit his gloves before striking his pads.
The charges against Balbirnie were levelled by on-field umpires Bismillah Jan Shinwari and Izatullah Safi, third umpire Ahmed Shah Pakteen, and fourth umpire Ahmed Shah Durrani.
Balbirnie acknowledged the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, thus eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
Ireland suffered a 10-run defeat by Afghanistan, resulting in a 1-1 series tie. The deciding match will take place today, 18 March, in Sharjah.