Birmingham 8th August : England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone has been handed an official reprimand after she was found to have violated the Level 1.of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Commonwealth Games Women’s T20I bronze medal match against New Zealand in Birmingham on Sunday. “Ecclestone was found to have violated the provisions of Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel that deals with the abuse of equipment for cricket or equipment for ground or clothing or fixtures and fittings in an International Match’,” stated the International Cricket Council (ICC) in an official announcement.
In addition one demerit stipulation was added to Sophie’s record of disciplinary actions and was the first offense in the span of 24 months.Level 1 offenses are punishable by a minimum of an official reprimand, and a maximum fine of 50% of the match fee of a player and two or more demerit points.
The incident took place after Sophie’s demise in the 18th over of England’s innings.During the 18th over, returning to the pavilion she hit a chair with her bat.She admitted to the incident and accepted the punishment offered by GS Lakshmi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.
This meant there was no requirement for an official hearing.
Umpires on the field Lauren Agenbag and Eloise Sheridan and third umpire Claire Polosak and fourth umpire Vrinda Rathi all pleaded guilty.
England did not get an opportunity to finish on the podium in the women’s T20 competition of Commonwealth Games after losing to New Zealand by eight wickets in the bronze medal match.
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