Why has Shafali Verma been reprimanded by ICC after India's win over Zimbabwe?

Shafali Verma (BCCI Photo)

India vice-captain Shafali Verma has received an official reprimand for throwing the ball to the ground in frustration after dropping a catch during the second T20I against Zimbabwe.The incident took place during India's nine-wicket win in Raipur on Sunday. The 22-year-old was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

What happened during the match?

The incident took place in the 12th over of Zimbabwe's innings. Shafali dropped a catch offered by Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano at mid-off off Shree Charani's bowling. She then threw the ball to the ground in frustration.The ICC found that Shafali had breached Article 2.2 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

This rule deals with the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match,” an ICC media release said.

One demerit point added to her record

Along with the official reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Shafali's disciplinary record. This was her first offence in a 24-month period.

Shafali admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by G.S. Lakshmi of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees.

As a result, there was no need for a formal hearing.On-field umpires Vrinda Rathi and Gayathri Venugopalan, third umpire Anna Harris and fourth umpire Janani Narayanan levelled the charge.

What is the penalty for a Level 1 breach?

Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand. The maximum punishment is a fine of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.