Chamari Athapaththu Penalized for Code of Conduct Breach in Tri-Series

Penalty Imposed on Sri Lanka's Captain

New Delhi [India] May 13: Chamari Athapaththu, the captain of Sri Lanka's women's cricket team, has been fined 10% of her match fee due to a Level 1 violation of the ICC Code of Conduct, according to the ICC's official website.

This incident occurred during the final group match of the recently held tri-series in Sri Lanka, where the home team faced off against South Africa in Colombo. The South African team secured a win in this high-scoring encounter.

Athapaththu was found in violation of Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which addresses the 'abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.'

Additionally, she received one demerit point on her disciplinary record, marking her first offence within a 24-month timeframe.

The incident transpired during the 32nd over of South Africa's innings when Athapaththu, after conceding a four to Annerie Dercksen, removed her sunglasses and smashed them on the ground, shattering them.

The on-field umpires, Anna Harris and Dedunu de Silva, along with third umpire Lyndon Hannibal and fourth umpire Nimali Perera, reported the incident.

No hearing was necessary as Athapaththu acknowledged her wrongdoing and accepted the penalties suggested by Michelle Pereira from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.

Level 1 breaches can result in a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, with a maximum fine of 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

India ultimately triumphed in the tri-series, defeating the host nation Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the final. Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Match for her century, while Sneh Rana earned the Player of the Series title for taking 15 wickets throughout the tournament.