New Delhi, Read. Indian women's cricket team's star batsman Shafali Verma has been given an official warning for violating the ICC Code of Conduct in the second T20 International against Zimbabwe. One demerit point has also been added to his disciplinary record. This incident took place during the match played in Raipur on October 18.
According to the ICC, Shefali violated Level-1 of the code of conduct prescribed for players and support staff. Action was taken against him under Article 2.2, which deals with misuse of cricket equipment, clothing or other items on the field during an international match.
Ball thrown in anger after missing catch
This incident happened during India's bowling in the 12th over of the first innings. Shefali Verma dropped the catch of Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano at mid-off on the ball of Sri Charani. Frustrated at missing the catch, Shefali threw the ball on the ground in anger. This behavior was considered a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Shefali admitted her mistake and also accepted the punishment proposed by GS Lakshmi of the ICC Match Referee Panel. Due to this, there was no need for a formal hearing in the matter. This is Shefali's first disciplinary violation in the last 24 months.
If demerit points increase, ban may be imposed
According to ICC rules, if a player receives four or more demerit points in a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points. If two suspension points are received, the player may be banned for one Test or two ODIs or two T20I matches, whichever is applicable first.
Demerit points remain on the player's disciplinary record for 24 months. After this they are removed from the records.
Shefali played a stormy innings in the second T20I
Despite disciplinary action, Shafali Verma performed brilliantly with the bat in the second T20I. He played a brilliant inning of 55 runs in just 25 balls and played an important role in India's victory.
In the match played in Raipur, Zimbabwe, batting first, scored 102 runs for eight wickets. In reply, the Indian team achieved the target by the ninth over and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The third T20I match of the series between India and Zimbabwe is to be played on October 20 in Raipur.
Also read: Asian Para Games 2026: India's glory continues, Deepti Jeevanji won gold and made a new Games record