ICC to tighten noose on unruly players

Cricket’s governing body introduces demerit points system for repeat offenders

International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced changes to its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel on Thursday which can see repeat offenders suspended.

According to ICC’s press release, players who have breached the code will now also accumulate demerit points in addition to the current penalties which include warnings, fines, and suspensions.



Demerit points will remain with a player for two years, and all players will start with a zero balance from September 22 to coincide with the introduction of these changes.

Meanwhile, ICC also implemented changes to DRS umpire’s call, which will be effective from Sunday in the ODI between South Africa and Ireland.



Under the new rule, for a not out decision to be overturned, more than half the ball now has to be impacting the pad within a zone bordered by the outside of off and leg stumps, and the ball needs to be hitting the stumps within a zone bordered by the outside of off and leg stumps and the bottom of the bails.