Dasun Shanaka fined for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been fined 75 percent of his match fee in the ongoing second Test match against India. The cricketer also admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee David Boon. He was found breaching level 2 offence off the ICC Code of Conduct during the proceedings of the second day of the match on Saturday. However, Boon felt that the youngster is in early days of his career and will only learn from the mistake.

Shanaka was seen on television plucking up an area of the ball next to the seam during the 50th over of India’s innings during second day’s play. The charge was laid by the on-field umpires Joe Wilson and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Nigel Llong and fourth umpire Chettithody Shamshuddin after the end of day’s play. He was found to have breached the article 2.2.9 of ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

What does the clause say?

The article 2.2.9 relates to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 42.3” which states, “Any action(s) likely to alter the condition of the ball which were not specifically permitted under Law 42.3(a) may be regarded as ‘unfair’. The following actions shall not be permitted (this list of actions is not exhaustive but included for illustrative purposes): (a)deliberately throwing the ball into the ground for the purpose of roughening it up; (b)applying any artificial substance to the ball; and applying any non-artificial substance for any purpose other than to polish the ball; (c) lifting or otherwise interfering with any of the seams of the ball; (d) scratching the surface of the ball with finger or thumb nails or any implement.”

In addition to the fine, three demerit points were also added to the disciplinary record of Dasun Shanaka. Now if he reaches four or more demerit points, those points will be converted into suspension points and will be banned. “These are early days in Dasun’s career and I am sure this sanction will ensure he is more careful when maintaining the condition of the ball in the future,” David Boon commented on his decision.