International Cricket Council recommends tougher ball-tampering sanctions

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recommended increased punishments for ball-tampering. It follows the Australia ball-tampering scandal against South Africa. Australia captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft all received lengthy bans after Bancroft damaged the ball with sandpaper. Under current rules, the maximum ICC sanction for ball-tampering is a 100% match-fee fine and a one-Test ban. Hence, the ICC imposed the maximum sanction on Smith, while Bancroft was fined 75% and given three demerit points. Warner was not punished by the ICC. The ICC has also recommended for a new offence for “offensive, personal, insulting or orchestrated abuse" and in creating a 'code of respect' for all players. “The group felt that excessive personal abuse and ball tampering were serious offences in the game and that should be reflected in the way in which they are dealt with,” ICC cricket committee chairman Anil Kumble said. “There was also strong support for giving the match officials more authority and subsequently greater support around their decision making.” The ICC added it wanted to give "greater authority and support to match officials", including allowing match referees to "downgrade or upgrade a level of offence or sanction".