Benn Suspended Again
Beyond NYCBeyond USA July 10, 2010 admin 0
West Indies spinner Sulieman Benn has been suspended for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his team’s third Test match against South Africa in Barbados.
Benn pleaded guilty to a Level 2 breach of the code after admitting to behavior that was contrary to clause 2.2.11 (a) relating to conduct of a serious nature that is “contrary to the spirit of the game”.
As such, under the provisions of the code, the matter was determined by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees without the need for a full hearing. Mr Crowe ordered the imposition of two suspension points, which amounts to a ban of one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for the player.
The incident took place during the lunch interval on the third day of the match when Benn inappropriately and without invitation entered the South Africa team dressing room in Kensington Oval and provoked some South Africa players and team management. This provocation resulted in a heated exchange of aggressive remarks.
“Whatever had gone on before Sulieman entered the Proteas’ dressing room, while helping to explain his behaviour, cannot justify it,” said Mr Crowe, alluding to an earlier on-field incident involving South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn. Following an incident in the same match Steyn was fined 100 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of spitting in the direction of Benn.
“Clearly, Sulieman has acted inappropriately here and in a way that is contrary to the spirit of cricket. We like the game to be played in a competitive way but, whether on or off the field, players must treat the opposition and the game itself with respect. That did not happen on this occasion and Sulieman has paid the price,” said Mr Crowe.
Because this was Benn’s second breach of this clause of the code within a 12-month period, the range of sanctions applicable was more severe than it otherwise would have been, namely between two and eight suspension points.
“Sulieman’s punishment was more severe than it might otherwise have been because this was not his first offence in the past 12 months,” added Mr Crowe.
