India opener Shafali Verma has received an official reprimand from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching its Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on October 18. The incident involved her reaction after dropping a catch during the match.

The Indian batter has also received one demerit point on her disciplinary record. The sanction came on the same day that Verma delivered a match-winning performance with the bat, helping India secure an unassailable lead in the T20I series.

Shafali Verma faces ICC action over abuse

Shafali Verma was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The provision relates to the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”

Along with the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Verma’s disciplinary record. It was her first offence within a 24-month period.

Verma admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by G.S. Lakshmi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Consequently, there was no need for a formal hearing.

What incident led to ICC punishing Shafali Verma?

The incident took place during India’s second T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on Sunday, October 18. Verma was fielding at mid-off when Mugeri-Tiripano offered a chance off Charani’s bowling, but the Indian opener failed to hold on to the catch.

Shafali Verma’s reaction after the missed opportunity led to the ICC action. Article 2.2 covers the misuse of equipment or fixtures during an international match, and the match referee imposed a sanction after the batter accepted the charge.

India, meanwhile, produced a dominant performance to take an unassailable series lead. Zimbabwe were restricted to 102/8 before the hosts completed the chase inside nine overs.

Verma played a major role in the result, scoring 55 off just 25 balls. Her aggressive innings helped India finish the contest comfortably despite the disciplinary incident during the first innings.

Shafali Verma won Player of the Match award in 2nd T20I

Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her explosive half-century. Speaking after the game, she said she was pleased with the way she had been executing her shots.

“Yeah, of course. What I'm trying to hit the shots, it's going. So really happy. What I want, it's executing,” Verma said.

The opener also spoke about the disappointment she felt after her dismissal in the first T20I. She admitted that the manner of her dismissal had stayed on her mind and affected her sleep.

“After yesterday's match, I can't even sleep, the way I got out in first match,” she said, explaining that she tried to control her thoughts and focus on what she needed to do in the next game.

Verma also discussed her approach against spin after being dismissed by a spinner in the previous match. She said she wanted to improve her balance and timing rather than complicate her batting.

“I'm just trying to, you know, bend a bit and time the ball more,” she explained. Verma added that she was also focusing on taking singles when boundaries were not available and executing the plans she had set for herself.

India will face Zimbabwe in the third T20I in Raipur on October 20, with Shafali Verma looking to continue her strong form in the series.