In a recent development, Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza and Ireland players Curtis Campher and Josh Little, faced fines for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I match at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe. Raza, charged with breaching the code, incurred a 50 per cent fine on his match fee and received two demerit points. Consequently, he is suspended for the remaining two matches of the ongoing three-match series due to the accumulation of four demerit points within 24 months. Campher and Little were fined 15 per cent of their respective match fees and received one demerit point each, marking their first within the 24-month period.
The trio was found to have violated Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.” While Campher and Little admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed sanctions without the need for a formal hearing, Raza admitted to the breach but contested the suggested penalty. The decision was confirmed in a formal hearing held on December 8.
The incidents leading to the charges involved Raza aggressively advancing towards Campher and Josh Little, gesturing with his bat and breaking away from the umpire who intervened. Campher faced charges for advancing towards Raza and sidestepping an on-field umpire attempting to halt his progress. Little was charged with making physical contact with Raza after the latter complained about obstruction while attempting to run.
The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Forster Mutizwa and Iknow Chabi, third umpire Langton Rusere, and fourth official Christopher Phiri. Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum of 50 per cent of the player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.