Indian fast bowler
The breach occurred during the opening over of the Sri Lankan innings. Following the dismissal of opener Imesha Dulani, Gaud was observed making gestures directed toward the pavilion. This action was deemed a violation of Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits the use of language, actions, or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon their dismissal.
Disciplinary Sanctions and Official Findings
As a consequence of the Level 1 offence, Gaud has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee. Additionally, one demerit point has been added to her disciplinary record, marking her first such offence within a 24-month period. The sanction was proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Gaud admitted to the charge and accepted the penalty, negating the need for a formal hearing.
The charge was levelled by the officiating team, which included on-field umpires Saleema Imtiaz and Shathira Jakir Jesy, alongside third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Humaira Farah. Level 1 breaches under the ICC code carry a range of penalties, from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, with the potential for one or two demerit points.
Pakistan Also Penalised for Over-Rate Offence
In a separate disciplinary development from the same tournament, the Pakistan women's team was also sanctioned following their semifinal clash against Sri Lanka last Friday. The side was fined five per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the contest.
Match referee G.S. Lakshmi imposed the fine after it was determined that Pakistan was one over short of the required target once time allowances were factored in. Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, teams are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over they fail to bowl within the allotted time. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana pleaded guilty to the offence, and the sanction was confirmed by the officiating panel consisting of umpires Vrinda Rathi, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Rokeya Sultana, and Rabab Ahsan.
