Women’s Wicket-keeper Sanjeewani fine for breach of ICC Code of Conduct

Wicket-keeper Anushka Sanjeewani was fined 15 per cent of her match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following Sri Lanka Women’s seven-wicket win against Bangladesh Women at the T20 World Cup on Sunday, charged with breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. 

She was found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, relating to the use of any language, action or gesture towards a batter upon their dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter. 

One demerit point has been added to Sanjeewani’s disciplinary record, although this is her first offence in a 24-month period. 

The incident took place in the 10th over of the Bangladesh innings, after the dismissal of batter Sobhana Mostary, when “Sanjeewani ran aggressively towards the batter with her fists clenched in celebration” an ICC media release said. 

She admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by GS Lakshmi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, the ICC said, and therefore a formal hearing was not held. 

The charges had been levelled by on-field umpires Anna Harris and Sue Redfern, third umpire Jacqueline Williams and fourth umpire Kim Cotton.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said that it has retrospectively increased the match fees for Women’s cricketers, paying USD 750 per match for this year. 

It is a 200 percent increase on the previous match fees of USD 250. 

Players will be paid an additional USD 250 for every match they win, regardless of it comes in a bilateral or international tournament. 

The increase comes into effect from January 1, 2023.