ICC clears Kagiso Rabada for Newlands Test as it overturns ban; pacer still found guilty of conduct

Dubai, March 20: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada to participate in the third Test against South Africa as it uplifted the ban on the speedster after he was suspended for two Tests for making deliberate contact with a player.

South Africa pacer who had appealed against the ban has now been found not guilty of the charge of making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with Aussie skipper Steve Smith, during the second Test match, following a hearing before the Right Honourable Michael Heron QC on Monday.

Rabada was, however, found guilty of conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game, an offence under Article 2.1.1 of the Code. As such Mr Heron imposed a sanction of a fine of 25% of his match fee and one demerit point. This brings the player's demerit points to a cumulated total of 7 and he is free to play with immediate effect.

Wow, Rabada's ban is overturned! Just one demerit point and a 25% fine. Things change rapidly in our world

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 20, 2018

The speedster was named the man of the match in the second Test match which South Africa won and levelled the series. Rabada, who was already included in the squad by the selectors will now be playing at Newlands.

Outlining his findings Heron said, "The key issue is whether Mr Rabada made 'inappropriate and deliberate physical contact' with Mr Smith. I am not 'comfortably satisfied' that Mr Rabada intended to make contact and I, therefore, find him not guilty of the charge under 2.2.7.

"I am entitled, however, to consider whether the conduct involved constitutes a lower level offence. I consider the conduct was inappropriate, lacked respect for his fellow player and involved non-deliberate and minor contact. The actions contravened the principle that a dismissed batsman should be left alone.

"I consider a penalty of the imposition of a fine of 25% of the applicable match fee to be the appropriate penalty for the breach of Article 2.1.1. As a consequence, 1 demerit point accrues. Mr Rabada will be well aware of the consequences of any further breaches of the code."

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "The ICC wholly accepts today's decision and I would like to thank Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa.

"This is perhaps an opportune moment to remind all players of their responsibilities to maintain a standard of behaviour which sets a good example to players at all levels of the game, especially the young players. We want to see the game played with skill, passion and respect for the opposition, the match officials and the laws."