India vice-captain
The disciplinary action stems from an event in the 12th over of the Zimbabwe innings. While fielding at mid-off, Verma dropped a catch offered by Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano off the bowling of Shree Charani. Following the missed opportunity, the vice-captain threw the ball to the ground in a display of frustration, an action that led to the charge being levelled by the on-field umpires, Vrinda Rathi and Gayathri Venugopalan, as well as third umpire Anna Harris and fourth umpire Janani Narayanan.
Breach of ICC Code of Conduct
The ICC confirmed that Verma was found guilty of violating Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, which pertains to the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, as well as ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match. In addition to the official reprimand, the governing body has added one demerit point to the player's disciplinary record.
This incident marks Verma's first offence within a 24-month period. The player admitted to the breach and accepted the sanction proposed by G.S. Lakshmi of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, negating the need for a formal hearing. Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a range of potential penalties, starting with an official reprimand and extending to a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player's match fee, alongside the addition of one or two demerit points.
