Ravindra Jadeja, an Indian cricketer, has been fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test match against Australia in Nagpur.
This breach was a result of his behavior that was found to be contrary to the spirit of the game and in violation of Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
The incident took place during the 46th over of Australia’s first innings on February 9, when Jadeja was seen applying a soothing cream to his index finger without the permission of the on-field umpires.
The Indian team management explained that the finger spinner was using the cream to treat a swelling on his index finger, however, the Match Referee was satisfied that the cream was used purely for medical purposes and did not change the condition of the ball, which would have been a violation of clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions for Unfair Play – The Match Ball – Changing its Condition.
Jadeja admitted to the offense and accepted the punishment proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
On-field umpires Nitin Menon and Richard Illingworth, third umpire Michael Gough, and fourth umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan levied the charge against him.
Level 1 breaches carry a range of punishments, including an official reprimand and a fine of up to 50% of the player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points. This was Jadeja’s first violation in a 24-month period.