Harshit Rana reprimanded and handed demerit point for Code of Conduct breach

Harshit Rana has been handed an official reprimand for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday.

Rana was pulled up under Article 2.5 of the Code, which deals with the use of language, actions or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter. The sanction also includes one demerit point, Rana's first offence in a 24-month period.

The incident took place in the 22nd over of South Africa's innings, when Rana, after removing Dewald Brevis, gestured towards the dressing room in a manner deemed capable of provoking a response from the batter. The fast bowler has accepted the charge and the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sam Nogajski, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit. Level 1 offences attract a minimum of an official reprimand and can extend up to a fine of 50% of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points, and a player is banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.