India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has been handed an official warning and one demerit point after breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against England at Edgbaston on July 14.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) found Brar guilty of throwing the ball at or near a batter in an inappropriate and dangerous manner, an offence he admitted before accepting the sanction proposed by the match referee.
Brar was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match."
As a result, the India pacer received an official warning and one demerit point was added to his disciplinary record. It is Brar's first offence within a 24-month period.
Incident occurred during England's innings
The incident took place in the eighth over of England's innings when Brar fielded the ball and threw it back toward England opener Ben Duckett in what the ICC described as an inappropriate and dangerous manner.
The moment came after Duckett drove the ball back towards the bowler. Brar collected it before throwing it back, with the ball narrowly missing the batter.
Brar accepts sanction
Brar admitted the offence and accepted the punishment proposed by match referee Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
Because the Indian bowler accepted responsibility, there was no need for a formal disciplinary hearing.
The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Mike Burns, along with third umpire Sam Nogajski and fourth umpire Russell Warren.
What ICC Code of Conduct says
Under the ICC Code of Conduct, Level 1 offences carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and can result in a fine of up to 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points are converted into suspension points, resulting in a playing ban.
Two suspension points equal a suspension from one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first. Demerit points remain on a player's disciplinary record for 24 months before being removed.
India begin ODI series with victory
Despite the disciplinary action, Brar played an important role in India's six-wicket victory over England in the opening ODI, claiming two wickets as the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India and England are scheduled to meet again in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday.
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