Ben Stokes fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

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Ben Stokes fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct​

England fast-medium bowler Ben Stokes has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth ODI against Australia in Perth on Friday.

Stokes was found to have breached Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match”.

The incident happened in the 42nd over when Stokes directed offensive language at James Faulkner after dismissing the Australia batsman.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and John Ward, third umpire Ranmore Martinesz and reserve umpire Simon Fry.

On Friday evening, Stokes admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

Commenting on his decision, Mr Pycroft said: “Mr Stokes’ reaction was a clear breach of the Code, as players are expected to respect their opponents at all times, no matter what the match situation is. This is a cornerstone of how we play the game.”

All Level 1 breaches for this offence carry a penalty of a warning/reprimand and/or the imposition of a fine up to 50 per cent of the applicable match fee.