ICC tightens grip on repeat offenders, introduces demerit points system

KARACHI: The International Cricket Council, in an attempt to control repeat offenders on the field, has introduced “demerit points” system in players’ code-of-conduct.

“Players who have breached the code will now also accumulate Demerit Points, which can see repeat offenders suspended,” ICC said in a statement.

“Demerit Points will remain with a player for two years, and all players will start with a zero balance from 22 September 2016, to coincide with the introduction of these changes,” the statement added.

Explaining the demerit points system, an ICC official said that 1 to 8 demerit points will be given to players on the different level of offences committed by them.

However, the official explained, the demerit points will not apply on slow over rates.

Players guilty of committing level one offence of ICC players’ code of conduct will receive at least two demerit points.

“Players receiving fine up to 25% of match fees will receive one demerit point, players receiving 26% to 50% of match fees fine under level one offence will get the two demerit points,” the official explained.

“Similarly, players guilty of level two offence will receive three to four demerit points, while players found guilty of level three will receive five to six demerit points, according to the suspension awarded to them by the match officials,” explained the official.

Cricketers found guilty of level four offence will receive maximum eight penalty points.

 “Demerit Points will remain on a Player or Player Support Personnel’s disciplinary record for a period of 24 months from their imposition, even if a player has completed his original suspension/fine imposed on him at the time of the offence,” the official added.

The demerit points will be accumulated at the end of 24-months cycle and will be converted into suspension points.

Players with four to seven accumulated demerit points will receive two suspension points, while players with eight to eleven accumulated demerit points will get four suspension points and players with 12 or more demerit points will receive six suspension points.

“For every two suspension points, a player will be suspended for one test or two T20Is/ODIs, whichever comes first,” he explained.

However, a player receiving nine demerit points, which is equivalent to four suspension points, the player will be suspended immediately for 2 Test Matches, 1 Test Match and 2 ODIs/T20Is or 4 ODIs or 4 T20Is.

And, despite serving this suspension, the demerit points will remain on player’s record for the decided period of 24 months.

The first accumulation of players and support staff demerit points will be done on 22nd September 2018.