Pratika Rawal Fined for Twice On-Field Collision During 1st ODI Against England

Southampton: Indian women’s cricketer Pratika Rawal has been fined 10% of her match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against England. The incident occurred when Rawal collided with two England players during the match—an action considered inappropriate under ICC’s Level 1 offense guidelines. In addition to the fine, one demerit point has also been added to her disciplinary record.

The ICC also penalized the England women’s team with a 5% match fee deduction for maintaining a slow over rate during the Indian innings.

Rawal, who played a crucial knock of 36 as an opener, was involved in a physical clash with England pacer Lauren Filer while taking a single in the 18th over of India’s innings. Later, in the very next over, she reportedly behaved in a similar manner with spinner Sophie Ecclestone. Match referee Sarah Bartlett took note of both incidents and handed Rawal the fine.

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Interestingly, Ecclestone later dismissed Rawal in the 19th over, bowling her clean. While returning to the pavilion, Rawal again appeared to shoulder Ecclestone, prompting the match referee to act. Since this was Rawal’s first offense within a 24-month period, the punishment was limited to a fine and one demerit point.

Such conduct is rare in women’s cricket, but not entirely unheard of in the men’s game. Recent examples include Virat Kohli, who was fined 20% of his match fee during the Boxing Day Test in Australia after a shoulder bump incident with Sam Konstas. Similarly, Mohammad Siraj was fined 15% of his fee during the recent Lord’s Test for a shoulder bump and aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett.

On the over-rate penalty, England’s bowlers were found to be one over short of the target, even after accounting for allowances. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt accepted the charge, as did Rawal for her offense, which meant formal hearings were not required.

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On the cricketing front, Pratika Rawal had two key partnerships—48 runs with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and 46 with Harleen Deol—helping India chase down the target with four wickets in hand and take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI will be played at Lord’s on Saturday, July 19, starting at 3:30 PM IST.