Shafali Verma reprimanded for ICC Code of Conduct breach

The ICC has issued an official reprimand to India's opener Shafali Verma for violating the Code of Conduct during the hosts' victory over Zimbabwe in the second Twenty20 International in Raipur. Shafali, India’s T20I vice-captain, was handed a demerit point for hurling the ball onto the ground after dropping a catch in Sunday’s contest, where India clinched the series with a game to spare.

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano lofted a Shree Charani delivery toward mid-off in the 12th over of the Zimbabwean innings. Before the ball reached her jaw, Shafali, who was stationed there, squandered an opportunity to catch it. In her anger, she then threw the ball on the ground.

Shafali was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”

With Shafali accepting the sanction imposed by match referee GS Lakshmi, there was no need for a formal hearing. Shafali's first offense in 24 months is the demerit point.

India soared to a 103-run target in the ninth over thanks to Shafali's unbeaten 55 off 25 balls, which was the game's star performance. On Tuesday, October 20, the identical venue will host the final Twenty20 International of the three-match series.