ICC punishes pacer for ‘inappropriate comments’ during T20I vs India vs South Africa

The ICC announced on Tuesday that South African pacer Gerard Coetzee has been disciplined for challenging an umpire’s decision during the fourth T20 International against India in Johannesburg. The incident stemmed from Coetzee making an inappropriate comment to the referee after a delivery was adjudged to be ‘wide’. “During the 4th T20I between South Africa and India, Gerard Coetzee was found to have breached article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Staff regarding ‘dissenting the decisions of referees during international matches.’ .”

“Coetzee was disciplined and one demerit point was added to his disciplinary record. He admitted the breach and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Match Referees Committee, so a formal hearing was not necessary. ” said the ICC. press release.

Field umpires Alahudian Perkar and Stephen Harris, third umpire Lubabalo Guma and fourth umpire Arno Jacobs ruled the score tied for the bowlers.

Level 1 violations carry a minimum of an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50% of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

If a player reaches 4 or more demerit points within 24 months, they will be converted into suspension points and the player will be suspended.

Two suspension points equate to a ban for one Test, two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for the player.

With Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma hitting an impressive 283/1 in the fourth match, India beat South Africa for 148, registering their biggest win in terms of runs.

The visiting team won the match by 135 runs and won four consecutive matches with three wins and one loss.