India fast bowler Kranti Gaud has received a 10% fine on her match fee and one demerit point from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a violation of the Code of Conduct during the Women’s Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka in Dubai on Sunday.
Gaud accepted the penalty, which was levied after she was found guilty of a Level 1 breach under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code. This particular article addresses the use of language, gestures, or actions that could demean or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter after their dismissal in an international match.
The incident occurred during Sri Lanka’s innings when Gaud dismissed opener Imesha Dulani. In celebration, she pointed toward the pavilion, a gesture that match officials ruled as a breach of conduct.
Level 1 breaches typically involve a minimum penalty, including an official reprimand and potential fines of up to 50% of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points. This demerit point represents Gaud’s first in a two-year period.
In more positive news for the Indian team, they claimed their record eighth Women’s Asia Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in a commanding performance.
Batting first, India set a total of 183 for 5, with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana both scoring half-centuries, laying a strong foundation for the innings.
When it was time for Sri Lanka to chase, Gaud took an early wicket, removing Dulani. However, it was India’s spin bowlers who truly shone, with Shree Charani taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs and Deepti Sharma contributing 3 wickets for 19 runs. Ultimately, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 111 runs.
The match also had its share of controversy off the field, as the Indian team chose not to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board president Mohsin Naqvi during the presentation ceremony. This decision was reportedly made in light of ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
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