Ponting reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

NAGPUR - Australian captain Ricky Ponting has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching its Code of Conduct during the team’s World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad.

The incident occurred shortly after Ponting was run out in the match Monday. He caused some damage to a television set in the team dressing room by throwing down a piece of equipment which bounced off his kit bag and hit the corner of the television.

Ponting accepted the Level 1 charge and the proposed sanction from match referee Roshan Mahanama after an incident was brought to the ICC’s attention through the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Gujarat Cricket Association, an ICC release said.

He was found to have breached clause 2.1.2 of the code that relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match”.

The charge was brought by the chairman of the Event Technical Committee David Richardson on behalf of the ICC Chief Executive, in accordance with the regulations.

“Ricky knows that his action was in breach of the code, involving a brief moment of frustration. That said, it was clear that the damage he caused was purely accidental and without malice, he apologized shortly after the incident at the ground and immediately agreed to pay for the damage,” said Mahanama.

As Ponting accepted the offence and the proposed sanction, there was no need to convene a formal hearing. Level 1 offences carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to 50 percent of the match fee, the release said.