Kagiso Rabada fined for Dhawan's send-off
South Africa's young speedster, Kagiso Rabada was reprimanded by ICC for the send-off he gave to opener Shikhar Dhawan in the 5th ODI at Port Elizabeth. He has been awarded one demerit point for breaching ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. Rabada has also been fined 15% of his match fee.
ICC's statement regarding Rababa's behavior
''Rabada, after dismissing Shikhar Dhawan, waved at the departing batsman and also made a comment which could have resulted in a reaction from the batsman'' the ICC statement read.
Rabada in trouble for aggressive send-off
The incident occurred during 8th over of India's innings, when Rabada dismissed in-form Shikhar Dhawan. The southpaw was caught at deep square leg off a short ball. While the batsman was leaving back to the pavilion, Rabada waved goodbye at him and also made a comment. Hence, the bowler has been fined 15% of his match fee.
Rabada reprimanded for gesture and using language
Rabada was booked under article 2.1.7, which prohibits "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an international match".
History of disciplinary problems
The South African has now accumulated 5 demerit points in total. He received 3 demerit points during the ODI series against Sri Lanka in February 2017 and another against England in July 2017. Rabada was suspended after 4 demerit points and missed the Trent Bridge Test. The demerit points are calculated over a period of 24 months.
Rabada is walking a tightrope
Demerit points remain on a player or a player support personnel's disciplinary record for a period of 24 months. However, if in this 24 month period, Rabada reaches eight or more demerit points, the ICC will suspend him again from either two Test matches, or one Test match and two ODIs/ T20Is or four ODIs/T20Is, based on the team's schedule.
