England’s Ben Stokes fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Johannesburg: England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the opening day of the fourth Test against South Africa at the Wanderers.

Stokes was found to have breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “use of an audible obscenity during an International Match.”

In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of Stokes, for whom it was the first offence during a 24-month period. The incident occurred when Stokes was walking back to the pavilion following his dismissal in the 46th over of England’s innings. Stokes used audible obscenity in response to taunts from the crowd, for which he later issued a public apology.

Stokes admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Joel Wilson, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth official Allahdien Palekar levelled the charges. 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.
When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player
Demerit points to remain on a player or player support personnel’s disciplinary record for a period of twenty-four (24) months from their imposition following which they will be expunged