JOHANNESBURG- Proteas Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play in the reminder of the series after a hearing before the Right Honourable Michael Heron QC on Monday.
Rabada who was represented by Advocate Dali Mpofu, however he was found guilty of misconduct that was in contrary of the spirit of the game.
Heron did impose a fine of 25% of match fee and Rabada has been demerited by one point. He is now free to play after his demerit points stand in total seven.
In his summary, Heron outlined his findings:
“The key issue is whether Mr Rabada made ‘inappropriate and deliberate physical contact’ with Mr Smith. I am not ‘comfortably satisfied’ that Mr Rabada intended to make contact and I therefore find him not guilty of the charge under 2.2.7.
“I am entitled, however, to consider whether the conduct involved constitutes a lower level offence. I consider the conduct was inappropriate, lacked respect for his fellow player and involved non-deliberate and minor contact. The actions contravened the principle that a dismissed batsman should be left alone.
“I consider a penalty of the imposition of a fine of 25% of the applicable match fee to be the appropriate penalty for the breach of Article 2.1.1. Therefore, 1 demerit point accrues. Mr. Rabada will be aware of the consequences of any further breaches of the code.”
ICC CEO David Richardson commented, “The ICC wholly accepts today’s decision and I would like to thank Mr Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa.
“This is perhaps an opportune moment to remind all players of their responsibilities to maintain a standard of behaviour which sets a good example to players at all levels of the game, especially the young players. We want to see the game played with skill, passion and respect for the opposition, the match officials and the laws.”
#BREAKINGNEWS @KagisoRabada25 Not guilty of Level 2 offence, but guilty of conduct contrary to the spirit of the game. He is free to play with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/LsseyQM1jr
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 20, 2018
Photo Credit- DailyMail
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