ICC increases ban for players found guilty of ball tampering. They can now be banned for six Test matches and 12 ODI’s as ICC has made the punishment even more severe. Previously, players were banned only for one Test match. The ICC has also imposed sanctions on new offences such as personal abuse and audible obscenities.
Chief executive David Richardson said the new sanctions represented a “clear desire” to restore trust in cricket.
“With regards to build a culture of respect, the board agreed that members should treat each other with respect as well as ensuring that their teams respect each other, the game and the match officials,” he said.
Also read: Dinesh Chandimal suspended for one Test Match
Former Australian captain Steve Smith and Vice captain David Warner were handed a 12 month ban after the ball tampering incident in South Africa during the Test series. Cameron Bancroft was given a nine month suspension post the horrifying event. ICC imposed its maximum available sanction on Steve Smith, while Bancroft was fined 75% of his match fee and given three demerit points.
Changing the condition of the ball is now listed as a level three offence, with a maximum sanction of 12 suspension points.
ICC has taken this severe step to get rid of the ball tampering incidents across the cricketing arena. In the aftermath of such a bizarre incident taking place in South Africa it was expected that there would be no more such incidents that effect spirit of the game. But the recent incident in West Indies where Dinesh Chandimal was alleged to have tampered with the ball brings ICC to a point where they need to impose harsh punishments.
Apparently, Dinesh Chandimal was not found guilty of ball tampering but he was accused of trying to change shape of the ball.