ICC Code of Conduct in Cricket
How the ICC Code of Conduct works — the four levels of offence, sanctions, the match referee's role, and how player discipline is enforced in international cricket.
What Is the ICC Code of Conduct?
The ICC Code of Conduct is the formal player discipline framework that governs the behaviour of cricketers, coaches, support staff, and team officials in international matches. It sets out four levels of offence and the corresponding sanctions, administered by an independent match referee.
The Four Levels of Offence
| Level | Examples | Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Showing dissent, excessive appealing, using abusive language | Official reprimand or 25–50% of match fee |
| Level 2 | Showing serious dissent, ball tampering, deliberate physical contact | 50–100% of match fee or 1–2 match suspension |
| Level 3 | Intimidating or threatening umpire, inciting crowd | 4–12 match suspension |
| Level 4 | Assaulting umpire or opponent, causing civil disturbance | Minimum 2-year ban |
Role of the Match Referee
The match referee is the ICC's on-site adjudicator — a neutral senior figure (often a retired international cricketer) who attends every international match. When an umpire reports an alleged breach, the match referee reviews video evidence and interviews the accused. The referee decides the sanction, which the player may contest at a formal hearing.
Player's Right to Appeal
A player charged with a Level 1 or 2 offence may accept or contest the charge. If they contest it, a hearing is held. Levels 3 and 4 automatically go to a formal hearing. Players may be represented by a lawyer or representative from their national board.
Demerit Points
Beyond immediate sanctions, Code of Conduct breaches carry demerit points that accumulate. A player who accumulates 8 demerit points within a 24-month period is automatically banned for 2 Test matches or 4 LOI matches. This discourages repeat offending.
Famous Code of Conduct Cases
Steve Smith and David Warner received 12-month bans following Sandpaper Gate. Ben Stokes received a two-match ICC ban for his 2017 nightclub incident. Harbhajan Singh was banned for a racial abuse charge against Andrew Symonds in 2008 — a decision later overturned on appeal.
Level 1 Offence Processing
A batter hits a delivery and is given out LBW. They stare at the umpire, shake their head, and gesture to the dressing room. The on-field umpire files a report. After the match, the match referee reviews the footage, agrees it constitutes showing dissent, and imposes a 25% match fee fine — a Level 1 sanction.
Frequently asked questions
Who enforces the ICC Code of Conduct?
The match referee, an independent ICC-appointed official, enforces the Code of Conduct. On-field umpires report incidents; the referee investigates and determines sanctions.
What is the harshest punishment under the ICC Code of Conduct?
Level 4 offences carry a minimum two-year ban from all international cricket. This covers assaulting a player, umpire, or match official, or causing a civil disturbance.