![ICC punished India's star player [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784195445389_ICCPunishesGurnoorBrar.jpg?type=hq)
ICC punished India's star player [Source: AFP]
In a major development, the ICC handed a massive punishment to one of India's emerging match-winners ahead of the second ODI against England. Led by Shubman Gill, India are preparing to take on England in a crucial fixture at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, after registering a thumping victory at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Ahead of the important fixture, the ICC has handed Gurnoor Brar a demerit point for violating the Code of Conduct in the previous match.
ICC announces punishment for Gurnoor Brar
On Thursday, July 16, the ICC added one demerit point to Gurnoor Brar's tally for breaching the Code of Conduct. The apex cricketing body confirmed the development through an official press release.
In its statement, the ICC revealed that Gurnoor Brar was handed a demerit point for violating Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct in the first ODI against England at Edgbaston.
Although the ICC didn't impose a financial penalty on Brar, the fast bowler was reprimanded and received a demerit point for the misconduct.
Why did ICC punish Gurnoor Brar?
Gurnoor Brar was involved in a heated moment with Ben Duckett in the first ODI between India and England. After Duckett smashed him for an audacious six, Gurnoor Brar lost his composure and fired a deadly throw at the batter after collecting the next ball on his follow-through.
While Duckett moved away from the line of the ball and saved himself from a nasty hit, the match referee found him guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the ICC code of conduct, which relates to “throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate and or dangerous manner during an international match.”
He was subsequently reprimanded and handed a demerit point for his first offence since making his debut for India in international cricket. As Gurnoor Brar accepted his mistake, the ICC didn't conduct a formal hearing.
The violation of Article 2.9 can result in either a Level 1 or Level 2 offence, punishable according to the ICC code of conduct for players and support personnel. Players who commit a level 1 offence under this category receive a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, which was handed to Brar for his wild throw towards Ben Duckett.
Gurnoor set to be India's X-factor despite ICC punishment
Ben Duckett initially took on Brar and hammered him for 24 runs off just 10 deliveries before the fast bowler regained his mojo with two crucial strikes. He got rid of Bethell with a short ball, following it up with Duckett's wicket in the thirteenth over.
Thus, Brar made inroads for the other Indian bowlers, who capitalised on the momentum and ran through England's middle order by dismissing Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Will Jacks in quick succession.
Despite conceding 61 runs in his nine-over spell, Gurnoor once again proved to be India's impact performer. Considering he can trouble the England batters with his ability to make the ball talk at a searing pace, we reckon Brar can emerge as India's X-factor in the second ODI against England after serving an ICC punishment.
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