Incident in the First ODI
Australia’s leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been officially reprimanded after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the opening ODI against South Africa in Cairns. The incident came in the 37th over, when a misfield and an overthrow led to inappropriate language that the stump mic picked up clearly.
ICC’s Sanction
The ICC confirmed it was a Level 1 offence — the lowest category under the Code of Conduct. For Zampa, that means an official reprimand and one demerit point added to his record. Since he admitted the charge and accepted the sanction, no formal hearing was required.
It may sound minor, but these things add up. The ICC Code of Conduct is designed to uphold discipline and keep respect intact, even in the heat of high-pressure contests.
Why This Matters
This is Zampa’s first offence in the last 24 months, but it serves as a reminder that even seasoned players are not immune. Other cricketers have been pulled up for similar language-related breaches in recent years, with fines or reprimands handed out. Four or more demerit points within 24 months can trigger a suspension, which means every small incident matters.
By enforcing these rules consistently, the ICC reinforces that the Code of Conduct is about more than punishment — it’s about protecting the spirit of the game.
Looking Ahead
Australia will still rely heavily on Zampa’s experience for the remainder of the series, with the next matches in Mackay, where spin could still play a role. For him, the reprimand doesn’t affect immediate availability, but it does put him on notice.
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