Afghan Azmatullah Omarzai reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second ODI against Ireland in Bready on Friday.

Azmatullah was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.”

One demerit point has been added to Azmatullah’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.

The incident occurred in the 41st over of Afghanistan’s innings, when he remained at the crease for a prolonged period of time after he had been given out, gesticulating his displeasure at the decision.

Azmatullah admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Dean Cosker of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Gareth Morrison and Roly Black, third umpire Johnny Kennedy and fourth umpire George Brolly levelled the charge.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.