ICC Cricket Code of Conduct

ICC Cricket Code of Conduct

The sport of cricket requires gentlemanly conduct from all players. Under the ICC regulations, players may be fined a percentage of the salary, banned for number of matches, or even banned for a number of years or life. The ICC appoints a Match Referee for each Test match and One-day International; the Referee has the power to set penalties for most offences, the exceptions being the more serious ones. The following are the general categories of serious offences, carrying the highest penalties:

Gambling on matches (Betting)
Failing to perform in a match in return for a benefit, such as money or goods (match fixing).
Inducing a player to perform one of the above two actions
Failure to report certain incidents relating to match-fixing or gambling
Other related offences

Other offences are categorized as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 as follows:

Level 1

Breach of the Logo Policy (except for a commercial logo or player's bat logo)
Abuse of equipment clothing, or any part of the ground
Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or by action
Using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting
Excessive appealing
Aggressive pointing towards the pavilion by a member of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman

Level 2

Repeat of any Level 1 Offence within 12 months
Showing serious dissent at an umpire's decision by word or action
Breach of the Logo Policy relating to a commercial logo or a player's bat logo
Public criticism of a match related incident or match official
Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players during play
Aggressively charging towards an umpire while appealing
Deliberate distraction or obstruction on the field
Throwing the ball at a player, umpire or official in a dangerous manner
Using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, team official or spectator.
Changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3
Any attempt to manipulate a match in regard to the result, net run rate, bonus points or otherwise. (Example: Intentionally losing so that a team will face a weaker opponent in the Finals.)

Level 3

Repeat of any Level 2 Offence within 12 months
Intimidation of an umpire or referee
Threat of assault on a player, team official, or spectator
Using language or gestures that offends race, religion, color, descent or national or ethnic origin

Level 4

Repeat for any Level 3 Offence within 12 months
Threat of assault on an umpire or referee
Physical assault of another player, umpire, referee, official or spectator
Any act of violence during play
Using language or gestures that seriously offends race, religion, color, descent or national or ethnic origin

The penalties available for each offence are based on the level. The penalties are as follows:

Level 1: Fine- 0% to 50% of match fee.
Level 2: Fine- 50% to 100% of match fee; Ban- 1 Test or 2 ODIs.
Level 3: Ban- 2 to 4 Tests or 4 to 8 ODIs.
Level 4: Ban- 5 Tests to Life or 10 ODIs to life.

Fines in Level 3 and 4 Offences are determined by the ICC without regard to match fee. Also, offences relating to gambling or match-fixing carry penalties of bans from 12 months to life, and also unlimited fines. Note: If an offence occurred in a Test match, then the ban for a number of tests applies. If an offence occurred in an ODI, then the ban for a number of ODIs applies.