Gurnoor Brar warned by ICC after Level 1 Code of Conduct breach

By Kartik Sharma | Data Analyst & Reporter

One demerit point. One official warning. That's the immediate outcome for Gurnoor Brar, who has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during India's first ODI against England in Birmingham. The incident occurred on 14 July, and the ICC confirmed the punishment on Thursday.

The India fast bowler was found guilty of violating Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers "throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match." Brar admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, meaning no formal hearing was required. 

What Led To This Decision

The disciplinary action stems from an incident in the eighth over of England's innings during the opening ODI at Edgbaston.

After collecting the ball in his follow-through, Brar threw it back towards England batter Ben Duckett. Match officials judged the throw to be inappropriate and dangerous, leading to a Level 1 charge under Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Mike Burns, alongside third umpire Sam Nogajski and fourth official Russell Warren. Because Brar admitted the offence immediately, the disciplinary process concluded without a hearing.

“Brar admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, and as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.”

ICC's Response And India's Position

The ICC confirmed that Brar has received:
  • An official warning
  • One demerit point
  • His first disciplinary offence within a 24-month period
    • Level 1 offences carry a minimum sanction of an official reprimand and can attract a fine of up to 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points. Four or more demerit points accumulated within 24 months are converted into suspension points, with two suspension points resulting in a ban of one Test or two ODIs or T20Is, whichever comes first.

    Brar's case does not trigger any suspension because it is his first offence during the current 24-month disciplinary cycle.

    Quick comparison

  • Current offence: Level 1 breach
  • Penalty received: Warning + one demerit point
  • Suspension: None
  • Next threshold: Four demerit points within 24 months convert into suspension points. 

    • Reaction

    Neither the BCCI nor Team India issued a public statement immediately after the ICC announcement.

    Brar's acceptance of the charge effectively ended the disciplinary matter before India's second ODI against England. The punishment also means he remains available for selection as India look to continue their three-match ODI series after taking a 1-0 lead with a six-wicket victory in Birmingham, where Brar claimed 2 for 61. 

    Stats

    PlayerGurnoor Brar
    ICC offenceArticle 2.9 – throwing the ball in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner
    SanctionOfficial warning and one demerit point
    Series contextIndia lead England 1-0 after winning the first ODI by six wickets

    What Happens Next

    Brar remains eligible for selection as India continue the ODI series against England.

    While the warning has no immediate impact on his availability, the demerit point will stay on his disciplinary record for 24 months before being removed, provided he commits no further offences during that period.

    For Brar, the wider implication is straightforward. His international career continues uninterrupted, but any future Code of Conduct breaches over the next two years will carry greater significance as his disciplinary record develops. The next number that matters won't be his wickets alone—it will be whether his demerit tally stays at one.