Arshdeep Singh Jay Shah. Image Credits: AP/AFP
In a significant development, the ICC has heavily punished India seamer Arshdeep Singh for his on-field altercation with Daryl Mitchell in T20 World Cup 2026 final. The star seamer came under the scanner after he hit New Zealand batter with a dangerous throw off his own bowling.
The Jay Shah-led board did not let Arshdeep go unpunished despite India's World Cup triumph and the left-arm seamer has been fined 15% of his match fees for Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
ICC Hands Heavy Fine To Arshdeep Singh
Besides the 15% fine on match fees, the ICC has handed Singh one demerit point. It was Arshdeep's solitary offence in last 24 months, so there will be no ban imposed of any sort on the India seamer.
"Arshdeep was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an International Match,” remarked ICC press release.
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What Happened Between Arshdeep Singh And Daryl Mitchell?
The incident occurred in the 11th over of the 2nd innings when the Kiwis were down and out. Daryl Mitchell was their only hope and the right-handed batter whacked Singh for a couple of sixes.
Singh was angered by the brutal treatment and on the next delivery, Mitchell hit one shot that the seamer stopped. In the heat of the moment, Arshdeep threw the ball straight at the Kiwi batter who got hit and nearly suffered an injury.
Mitchell was miffed by the incident and confronted the New Zealand batter who hurled him abuses in retaliation. Eventually, Suryakumar Yadav apologised on Singh's behalf and the game resumed. Arshdeep too realised his mistake and shook hands in apology with the Kiwi counterpart.
What Is Demerit Point Introduced By ICC?
The ICC introduced a demerit point system in 2016 to control the growing aggressive and violent nature of cricket. It was brought to maintain the code and conduct of the game and for players to behave normally on the pitch.
ICC has categorised offences into four categories - Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4.
According to the ICC, if a player commits a level 1 offence, they are likely to be slapped with one or two demerit points. Further, if the offence fell in level 2, then 3-4 demerit points would be given to a player.
As mentioned by ICC in Arshdeep Singh's case - A Level 1 breach carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
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