Sean Williams found guilty of breaching ICC Code of Conduct

By Agencies

Zimbabwe batter Sean Williams has received an official reprimand for an incident during his side’s second ODI against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval, Bulawayo.

Williams was deemed guilty of having violated Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, specifically breaching Article 2.8, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”

The incident took place in the 26th over of Zimbabwe’s innings against Pakistan when Williams expressed dissent after being adjudged LBW to Saim Ayub by pointing to his bat. Williams scored 31 with the bat in the first innings, as Zimbabwe got 145.

The hosts eventually lost the game as Pakistan chased down the target with 10 wickets to spare. The three-game series stands tied at 1-1.

In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Williams’ disciplinary record, marking his first offence within a 24-month period.

On-field umpires Michael Gough and Forster Mutizwa, along with third umpire Iknow Chabi and fourth umpire Langton Rusere, leveled the charge.

Williams admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.