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AMIDST the intensity of combat, situations can become quite intense; it’s natural. And within the crucible, at the peak of global athletics, tensions can escalate.

It’s predictable. People experience emotions, and after prolonged frustration, a release occurs, providing a moment of relief that opens the pressure valve, leading to emotional expressions such as fist pumps, jumping with joy, and cries of celebration.

And occasionally, it may do so, if only for a brief instant.

This was true for Proteas Women’s bowler Nonkululeko Mlaba, who crossed the line slightly during South Africa’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup group stage game against India on Thursday.

In the 17th over of India’s innings, Mlaba, following the dismissal of Harleen Deol, signaled to the batsman. What appeared to be a harmless action – but ICC officials were alert and determined that the gesture violated the spirit of sportsmanship, believing it could have incited an aggressive reaction from the batsman.

Consequences of the wave

Mlaba has, therefore, faced disciplinary action for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

She was determined to have violated Article 2.5 of theICC Code of Ethics for Players and Player Support Staff, which refers to “using language, behavior, or signals that insult or may trigger an aggressive response from a player after their removal in an International Match.”

Furthermore, a penalty point has been included in Mlaba’s disciplinary history, marking it as the initial offense within a 24-month span.

Mlaba acknowledged the violation and agreed to the penalty suggested by Trudy Anderson from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the necessity for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton, along with third umpire Candace le Borde and fourth umpire Sue Redfern, made the accusation.

Level 1 violations result in a minimum penalty of an official warning, a maximum penalty of 50% of the player’s game payment, and one or two penalty points.

What this implies for Mlaba

The South African player is certain to contemplate this moment of careless misconduct, understanding that if it occurs again, it may affect her team, their competition, and ultimately her professional future.

As per the ICC regulations, a player who accumulates four or more penalty points within a 24-month span will have those points converted into suspension credits, resulting in a ban. This outcome would be undesirable.

Additionally, two instances of suspension points result in a ban from one Test match or two One Day Internationals or two T20 Internationals, depending on which occurs first for the player; a solid incentive to remain composed.

Mlaba, along with the rest of the team, will certainly calm down, fully understanding that penalty points will stay on a Player or Player Support Personnel’s disciplinary record for 24 months from the date they are applied, after which they will be removed.

Certainly, it’s probable that the team and coaching staff have already handled this matter, and the team would have already been advised to remain composed, and show respect and consideration towards opponents even when their excitement is high.