Saurabh Netravalkar reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

USA, left-arm fast bowler and captain, Saurabh Netravalkar has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first game of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League 2 supported by Dream 11 against Nepal in Muscat.

Netravalkar was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “Using language, actions or gestures which disparage, or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match. In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Netravalkar’s disciplinary record.

Saurabh Netravalkar gives Kushal Malla a fiery send-off

The incident occurred in the 33rd over after the dismissal of batter Kushal Malla. Netravalkar aggressively shouted towards Malla after he dismissed him, and gave him a send-off, which could have provoked an aggressive reaction from Malla.

Graeme Labrooy of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction, which was ratified by the ICC Cricket Operations department as per the COVID-19 interim playing regulations. Netravalkar pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Rahul Asher, Vinod Babu and Ahmed Shah Pakteen.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of a fine of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Netravalkar had a decent day with the ball as he bowled two maidens and gave away 30 runs in his 10-over spell. However, Nepal went on to win the game by five wickets. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the United States managed to score only 230 runs for the loss of nine wickets.

Monank Patel’s 114-ball 100 guided USA to the respectable score. Sandeep Lamichhane and Kushal Malla picked up two wickets each. In the run-chase, Kushal Bhartel scored 84 while opening the batting.

He got the apt support from Rohit Paudel, who made an unbeaten 87-ball 62 with two fours and three sixes. Nepal got past the target with one over to spare.