NAGPUR: The International Cricket Council (ICC) slapped a fine on Sri Lankan fast bowler Dasun Shanaka for violating its code of conduct during the second day of Nagpur Test match being played against India, it said in a statement Saturday night. At the second day-end, Joel Wilson and Richard Kettleborough – the two on-field umpires – as well as third and fourth umpires Nigel Llong and Chettithody Shamshuddin, respectively, raised the charges, which Shanaka admitted. Shanaka’s fine amounts to “75 percent of his match fee”, according to the ICC’s announcement, “for breaching Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct”. The Level 2 – Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel – pertains to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3”. Shanaka was seen on the television during the 50th over of India’s first innings “picking up an area on the ball next to the seam several times”. This comes alongside a three-demerit-point addition to the disciplinary record of the Sri Lankan cricketer, who, if and when the tally “reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period”, will be banned as they will translate to suspension points. For clarity, the ICC’s rules state that “two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player”. Moreover, “demerit points are to remain on a player or player support personnel’s disciplinary record for a period of 24 months from their imposition, following which they will be expunged”. Put forward by David Boon of the ICC Match Referees’ Emirates Elite Panel, the sanction did not require a formal hearing. “These are early days in Dasun’s career,” Boon said. “I am sure this sanction will ensure he is more careful when maintaining the condition of the ball in the future.” “All ‘Level-2’ breaches carry a minimum penalty of a fine of between 50-100 percent of the applicable match fee and/or up to two suspension points,” the ICC’s statement added. Published in Daily Times, November 27th 2017.