Sikandar Raza banned for two games after ICC Code of Conduct breach

A Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct occurred during the first T20I at Harare Sports Club between Zimbabwe and Ireland, resulting in fines for three players and the suspension of one.

Zimbabwe's captain, Sikandar Raza, and Ireland's players, Curtis Campher and Josh Little, were fined due to their involvement in an on-field altercation during the match.

Raza faced charges for aggressively approaching Campher and Little, while the Ireland pacer was charged with making physical contact with Raza. Allegedly, Campher bypassed the on-field umpires and advanced towards Raza.

Campher and Little confessed to the offence and accepted the penalty proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

Raza admitted to the offence but rejected the penalty suggested by Pycroft. The sanction was officially confirmed in a hearing on December 8th.

The players were accused of breaching Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.”

Meanwhile, Raza is set to be suspended for the final two games of the current three-match series.

Raza was fined 50% of his match fee and incurred two demerit points. His suspension stems from accumulating a total of four demerit points within a 24-month period due to a recent breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Level 1 breaches warrant a minimum punishment of an official warning, with a maximum fine of 50% of a player’s match fee and one or two demerit points.