Ben Stokes reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct
English batsman Ben Stokes has been reprimanded by the ICC for breaching the Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on the opening day of the third Test against India. Stokes reacted to Indian players celebrating his wicket and also indulged in a verbal spat with Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
An ICC statement said, “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”.
In addition to the reprimand for his breach of Article 2.1.4, one demerit point has been added to Stokes’s disciplinary record.
This is the second breach of Code of Conduct by Ben Stokes after he was fined 15% of his match fee and given a demerit point for "verbally engaging" with Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman in Dhaka last month.
If he reaches four demerit points within a two-year period, he will face suspension for one Test or two limited-overs internationals, whatever comes first.
The incident happened after Stokes was stumped by Parthiv Patel on an individual score of 29 runs. On his way back to the pavilion, Stokes turned back and used some offensive language at the Indian players. Indian captain Virat Kohli appeared to say "What?" to the Englishman. After a few more words were exchanged, the umpire decided to intervene, and Stokes made his way back.
The charge was laid by the two on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Chris Gaffaney, and third umpire Kumar Dharmasena. Stokes also admitted the