ICC Reprimands Shafali Verma for Code of Conduct Breach

India women’s cricket team opener Shafali Verma has received a reprimand from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching its Code of Conduct during the second T20 match against Zimbabwe in Raipur. Shafali scored 55 runs in the match, helping India maintain its strong position in the series. India went on to take a 2-0 lead, according to the report.

The incident occurred during Zimbabwe’s innings when Shafali dropped a catch offered by Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano. Frustrated by the missed opportunity, she reportedly threw the ball to the ground. The ICC deemed the action a breach of Article 2.2, which concerns the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures during an international match. Match referee GS Lakshmi issued the sanction, adding one demerit point to Shafali’s disciplinary record. As this was reportedly her first offence in the previous 24 months, no formal hearing was required. Under the ICC’s Level 1 sanctions, penalties may include an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.