The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reprimanded West Indies captain Rovman Powell and batter Sherfane Rutherford for separate breaches of its Code of Conduct during the second T20I against India in Ranchi on October 9, 2026. Both players have also received one demerit point each following incidents during the visitors’ successful run chase.
The disciplinary action came after West Indies pulled off an impressive six-wicket victory, chasing India’s target of 250 runs with nine balls to spare. Shai Hope and Rutherford played crucial roles in the chase, helping the visitors level the five-match T20I series at 1-1. India posted 249/5 in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Sanju Samson top-scored with 82 off 41 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 43 from 22 deliveries. Tilak Varma added an unbeaten 44 off just 18 balls to help India register a formidable total.
West Indies responded with 252/4 in 18.3 overs. Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 deliveries, hitting six fours and nine sixes. Rutherford smashed 84 from 37 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes, while Romario Shepherd finished unbeaten on 34 off 13 deliveries. Hope was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century.
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According to the ICC’s statement released on October 12, Powell breached Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, which deals with the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match. The incident occurred during the sixth over of the West Indies innings. After being dismissed by Mayank Yadav, Powell struck the ball away with his bat, leading to the disciplinary charge.
JUST IN: Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford handed one demerit point each by ICC for separate incidents during the Ranchi T20I.
Powell hit the ball away with his bat after being bowled while Rutherford aggressively yelled at the umpire over a delivery ruled not wide. https://t.co/ZI9e6yK1zF
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 12, 2026
Rutherford, meanwhile, was charged under Article 2.8, which concerns showing dissent at an umpire’s decision. His incident took place in the 13th over, when he reacted aggressively after a delivery he believed was wide was judged legitimate by the umpire.Both players accepted the charges and the sanctions proposed by match referee Prakash Bhatt. Consequently, formal hearings were not required. The reprimands and demerit points were their first offences under the Code of Conduct within a 24-month period.
The charges were brought by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Rohan Pandit, third umpire Nitin Menon, and fourth umpire Virender Sharma. Level 1 offences can result in an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee, and one or two demerit points.
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Following West Indies’ defeat in the third T20I in Indore, Hope highlighted the importance of small moments in determining match results. He admitted that the team could have executed its bowling plans more effectively and prevented some boundary runs.
Shai Hope also praised West Indies’ recovery with the ball after India’s strong start, acknowledging the importance of taking wickets and Roston Chase’s contribution in bringing the visitors back into the contest. His comments underlined the fine margins involved in T20 cricket, where missed opportunities and execution under pressure can ultimately decide the outcome.
