UAE vs NZ: Junaid Siddique fined 25 percent match fees and gets two demerit points for Code of conduct breach

UAE’s fast bowler, Junaid Siddique, has been slapped with a 25 percent fine on his match fees and two demerit points for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third T20I encounter between UAE and New Zealand held in Dubai.

Siddique was found guilty of violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on two occasions during the match. In the first instance, he contravened article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to “using language, actions, or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.” This incident unfolded in the fifth over of the New Zealand innings when Siddique, following the dismissal of Tim Seifert, approached the departing batsman in an aggressive manner, shouting at him. As a result, Siddique received an official reprimand and was given one demerit point.

In the second instance, Siddique was found guilty of violating article 2.8 of the Code, which concerns “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.” This occurred in the 17th over of the New Zealand innings when Siddique expressed dissent by using inappropriate language towards the umpire after an appeal was turned down. For this act, he was fined 25 percent of his match fee and incurred an additional demerit point.

The charges were brought forward by on-field umpires Akbar Ali and Shiju Sam, along with third umpire Aasif Iqbal. A formal hearing was not deemed necessary as Siddique admitted to the offenses and accepted the sanctions proposed by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft.

Notably, with no prior breaches in the preceding 24-month period, Siddique’s disciplinary record now includes two demerit points.

It’s important to highlight that Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Despite Siddique’s disciplinary setbacks, he put up an impressive performance with the ball in the third T20I, claiming three wickets for 26 runs. However, New Zealand emerged victorious in the match, driven by enterprising fifties from Will Young (56) and Mark Chapman (51). Consequently, the tourists secured a 2-1 series win, prevailing over UAE by 32 runs.