When Pratika Rawal, India's opening batter, stepped onto the field at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 16, 2025, the ICC was already drafting a disciplinary notice. Sarah Bartlett, the match referee, later announced a 10 % fine of Rawal’s match fee for a Level One breach of the Code of Conduct. At the same time, England’s captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt accepted a five‑percent fine for the home side’s slow over‑rate. The penalties came off the back of a tightly contested one‑day international that ended in a four‑wicket win for India.
Background to the series
India women entered the three‑match ODI series fresh from a 3‑2 triumph in a five‑match T20I showdown against England. With the Women's Cricket World Cup looming in India later this year, every win is a confidence boost. England, meanwhile, were looking to bounce back after a mixed T20I campaign and to fine‑tune their pace attack ahead of a grueling summer schedule that includes a three‑match ODI set‑up against Australia.
The incident and the ICC ruling
Early in the 18th over of India’s chase, Rawal sprinted between the wickets and brushed past England fast‑bowler Lauren Filer. The contact was fleeting, but Filer’s visible frustration – a sharp hand gesture toward the batter – caught the officials’ eye. Rawal’s misstep was compounded when, in the very next over, she fell to spinner Sophie Ecclestone. As Ecclestone celebrated with her teammates, Rawal’s retreat to the pavilion resulted in another brush‑up, prompting the ICC to deem both moments “avoidable physical contact.”
In a statement released after the match, Rawal said, “It was not intentional. I was just running my way and that shoulder barge thing was completely out of… it was not deliberate in that sense.” She added, “I don’t think there is a need to make a fuss out of it.” By pleading guilty, Rawal avoided a formal hearing, and the referee imposed a single demerit point on her disciplinary record.
England’s over‑rate breach
The same fixture saw England fall one over short of the required 15‑over‑per‑hour pace, even after time allowances for drinks and injuries were taken into account. Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, each missed over draws a five‑percent fine from the team’s collective match fee. Nat Sciver‑Brunt accepted the penalty on behalf of the side, acknowledging the lapse and promising tighter clock‑management in the remaining games.
Reactions from players and officials
England bowler Lauren Filer, interviewed at the ground, shrugged, “It was a split‑second thing. No hard feelings, but you do expect a little space when you’re delivering.” Sophie Ecclestone, still buzzing from her wicket, added, “I was just celebrating. Didn’t mean to cause any trouble.” On the Indian side, captain Harmanpreet Kaur backed her teammate, noting, “Pratika is a fierce competitor. This is an isolated incident, and we’ll move forward.” ICC spokesperson Rahul Chawla later explained, “Level One breaches are treated seriously but also proportionally. The fine reflects the nature of the contact and the player’s clean record.”
What the fines mean for the series
- Rawal’s 10 % fine translates to approximately US$4,800, based on her match fee of US$48,000.
- England’s collective fine amounts to about US$9,200, split among the squad and support staff.
- The demerit point adds to Rawal’s disciplinary tally; a repeat offense within 24 months could trigger a Level Two sanction.
- Both teams remain eligible for the series prize money, as the ICC penalties do not affect the tournament purse.
Strategically, the incident has forced both camps to revisit on‑field protocols. India’s coaching staff reportedly held a quick briefing on movement etiquette, while England’s captain has vowed to monitor over‑rate metrics more closely, especially with the next ODI scheduled at Lord’s on Saturday.
Looking ahead to the World Cup
India now needs just one more win from the remaining two fixtures to seal the series, a morale boost before they head to Australia for a three‑match ODI series that serves as the final preparation for the World Cup. England will aim to avoid further disciplinary setbacks, hoping to regroup before their own mid‑summer challenges against South Africa and the West Indies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the fine affect Pratika Rawal’s future selection?
The fine itself does not bar Rawal from upcoming matches. However, the added demerit point means a repeat breach within the next 24 months could trigger a Level Two sanction, which carries a heavier fine and possible suspension.
What specific rule did England break regarding the over‑rate?
England fell one over short of the 15‑over‑per‑hour requirement set out in Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The breach resulted in a five‑percent fine of the team’s match fee, as stipulated for every over missed.
Why was the incident classified as a Level One breach?
Level One breaches cover “avoidable physical contact” that is not deemed malicious. Because Rawal’s contact was accidental and she pleaded guilty, the ICC applied the lowest tier of sanction rather than a more severe Level Two penalty.
Will these penalties impact the teams’ world rankings?
No. The ICC’s disciplinary fines are financial and do not alter the points that determine ODI rankings. Both sides retain their current positions, though the series outcome will influence future ranking calculations.
How common are on‑field conduct fines in women's cricket?
They’re relatively rare compared with the men’s game, but the ICC has stepped up monitoring after high‑profile incidents involving players like Mohammed Siraj and, more recently, Rawal. The aim is to maintain professionalism as the women's sport grows.
