ICC Code of Conduct: Player Behaviour Rules and Sanctions in International Cricket
The ICC Code of Conduct sets standards for player behaviour in international cricket. This guide explains what the regulations cover, the levels of offence and how sanctions are applied.
The ICC Code of Conduct is the set of regulations that governs player and official behaviour in international cricket matches. It covers on-field conduct — sledging, dissent toward umpires, abuse of equipment — and off-field conduct including anti-doping compliance, anti-corruption obligations and media regulations. The Code operates alongside national board regulations, which can impose additional requirements. Violations of the Code are adjudicated by ICC match referees, who have authority to issue penalties ranging from reprimands to match bans.
The Four Levels of Offence
The ICC Code divides conduct offences into four levels. Level 1 includes minor offences: showing dissent at an umpire's decision, using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting (but not directed at a specific individual), deliberately scuffing the pitch and using audible obscenities. Level 1 sanctions are typically one or two demerit points and a fine of up to 50% of the player's match fee.
Level 2 offences are more serious: repeated excessive appealing, directing a personal delivery of obscene language at a player or official, pushing or making other physical contact with an opponent. Level 2 sanctions are 2-4 demerit points and fines of 50-100% of the match fee. Level 3 covers threatening or abusive language directed at an individual, intimidating an umpire or serious physical misconduct. Level 4 — the most severe — covers acts of violence, sexual harassment and other extreme misconduct. Level 4 sanctions include bans from international cricket.
The Demerit Points System
ICC demerit points accumulate over a rolling 24-month period. When a player reaches 4 demerit points, they receive a one-match suspension. 8 points triggers a 2-match ban; 12 points triggers a 4-match ban. Points expire after 24 months. This rolling system means players who commit repeated minor offences eventually face match bans, while a single significant incident can also trigger immediate suspension through the level-based penalty structure.
Famous players to have received significant ICC sanctions include Steve Smith and David Warner for their ball-tampering in the 2018 Sandpaper Gate scandal (handled separately under anti-ball tampering rules with 12-month playing bans), and various players for excessive aggression, dissent and anti-social conduct. Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes, and multiple other international players have received Level 1 and Level 2 sanctions during their careers.
Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping
The Code of Conduct is separate from but operates alongside the ICC's Anti-Corruption Code and Anti-Doping Code. The Anti-Corruption Code covers match-fixing, spot-fixing, receiving corrupt payments, providing inside information to gamblers and failing to report approaches. Violations carry lengthy playing bans — up to lifetime bans for the most serious offences. The Anti-Doping Code requires players to comply with WADA testing protocols. These separate codes have their own hearing procedures and appeal mechanisms distinct from the Code of Conduct.
Frequently asked questions
Can players appeal ICC Code of Conduct sanctions?
Yes. Players have the right to appeal ICC sanctions to the ICC Code of Conduct Commissioner. The appeal must be lodged within 48 hours of the sanction notification and is heard by an independent adjudicator.
Does the Code cover behaviour in the dressing room?
The ICC Code primarily covers behaviour during matches and at official ICC events. Private dressing room conduct is regulated more by national board employment contracts and player conduct policies. However, extreme private conduct that brings the game into disrepute may be pursued under the Code.
Are umpires covered by the Code of Conduct?
ICC match officials — umpires and match referees — have their own performance and conduct standards managed by the ICC's umpires' division. Player conduct toward umpires (dissent, abuse) is covered by the Code from the player side.