Daijiworld Media Network- Colombo

Colombo, May 13: Sri Lanka women’s cricket team captain Chamari Athapaththu has been fined 10 percent of her match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the final group stage encounter of the recently concluded women’s tri-series in Colombo.

According to an official statement released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Athapaththu was found guilty of violating Level 1, Article 2.2 of the Code, which deals with "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match."

The incident took place in the 32nd over of South Africa’s innings, when Annerie Dercksen struck Athapaththu for a boundary. In frustration, the Sri Lankan skipper removed her sunglasses and smashed them on the ground, causing them to shatter.

The offence was reported by on-field umpires Anna Harris and Dedunu de Silva, along with third umpire Lyndon Hannibal and fourth umpire Nimali Perera. The match referee, Michelle Pereira, handed down the sanction, which Athapaththu accepted without the need for a formal hearing.

In addition to the fine, one demerit point was added to her disciplinary record. This is her first offence in a 24-month period.

As per ICC guidelines, Level 1 violations carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50 percent of the match fee and up to two demerit points.

The match, which saw South Africa emerge victorious in a high-scoring thriller, marked the end of the group phase of the tri-series hosted by Sri Lanka. While emotions ran high on the field, the ICC has reiterated the importance of maintaining composure and respecting the spirit of the game.