11th June 2023, Mumbai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken strict action against Team India opener Shubman Gill for publicly criticizing umpire Richard Kettleborough’s decision in the second innings of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Additionally, both the Indian and Australian cricket teams have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during the final match at the Oval in London.
Shubman Gill will face a sanction from the ICC for breaching ‘article 2.7’, which pertains to public criticism or inappropriate comments regarding an incident in an international match. The young opener has been fined 15 percent of his match fee, as stated in an official ICC statement.
Television umpire Richard Kettleborough had adjudged that a catch by Cameron Green to dismiss Gill had been taken cleanly. However, Gill expressed his disagreement with the decision on social media later in the day, raising questions about the catch. This prompted the ICC to take action against him.
In addition to Gill’s sanction, both India and Australia have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during the WTC Final. India will lose all of their match fees, while Australia will be docked 80 percent of their match fees, according to the ICC release.Gill’s breach of Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel has also resulted in one demerit point being added to his disciplinary record. This marks his first offense within a 24-month period.
The ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final saw India being fined 100 percent of their match fee and Australia 80 percent for their slow over-rates. Richie Richardson, part of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, imposed the sanctions after India fell short by five overs and Australia fell short by four overs based on time allowances.
Former Australian coach Justin Langer and ex-captain Ricky Ponting have criticized Shubman Gill for his controversial tweet about his dismissal. Langer stated that modern-day cricketers face the challenge of social media and considered Gill’s tweet irresponsible and inexperienced. Ponting highlighted that the tweet directly attacked the umpires, suggesting that Gill could face further fines or even suspension for his social media post.
It is important to note that when a player accumulates four or more demerit points within 24 months, they are converted into suspension points, which can lead to a ban. Two suspension points correspond to a ban from one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, depending on what comes first for the player.Demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months, after which they are expunged. This emphasizes the need for players to maintain their conduct and refrain from public criticism or inappropriate comments related to incidents in international matches.
Article by PRITESH PATEL