England vs South Africa: Sam Curran fined for breaching Level 1 of ICC's Code of Conduct

Sam Curran has been fined 15% of his match fee after he is deemed guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC's Code of Conduct for his 'excessive' celebration in the second South Africa vs England ODI in Bloemfontein on 29 January. The England fast bowler was deemed to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

This code pertains to the fielding side using any kind of language, action, or gesture against a batsman upon their dismissal that is deemed excessive enough to provoke an aggressive reaction from the batsman. Curran was deemed to have violated this code, as a result of which one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record.

Sam Curran fined for breaching ICC's Code of Conduct

Sam Curran is fined 15% of his match fee for an incident that occurred in the 28th over of South Africa's innings. After dismissing Temba Bavuma, Curran not only 'excessively' celebrated, but he also did so in close proximity to the South African batsman. Since this incident could have provoked an aggressive reaction from Bavuma, he was deemed guilty of breaching the ICC's Code of Conduct.

Since Curran admitted the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by Jeff Crowe of the ICC's Elite Panel of Match Referees, there is no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Adrian Holdstock, third umpire Bongani Jele and fourth umpire Allahudien Palekar.

ICC explains its system of demerit points & bans

After levying a fine on Sam Curran for breaching their Code of Conduct, the ICC also issued a statement that explained their system of demerit points and potential bans for Level 1 offences. Their statement read (as quoted by ANI),

"When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player. Demerit Points to remain on a Player or Player Support Personnel's disciplinary record for a period of twenty-four (24) months from their imposition following which they will be expunged."