South Africa’s Mlaba Faces Reprimand After Code Breach in Women’s World Cup Clash Against India

South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba received a reprimand for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup league match against India. Mlaba was cited for violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which prohibits “using language, actions, or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon their dismissal during an International Match.”

As part of the penalty, a demerit point was added to Mlaba’s disciplinary record, marking her first offence in a 24-month period.

Incident details reveal that in the 17th over of India’s innings, Mlaba waved goodbye to Harleen Deol after her dismissal, an action potentially inciting an aggressive response. Mlaba admitted to the infringement and accepted the proposed sanction, negating the need for a formal hearing.

Level 1 violations incur a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of a 50% match fee deduction, and one or two demerit points.

Published on Oct 11, 2025

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