The governing body of world cricket released a new players' code of behavior on Thursday hoping to stamp out violence and offensive language in the international game. The new measures were to come into force from Friday for the Test match between West Indies and India in Trinidad and Tobago.
Approved at last month's ICC executive board meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, the new guidelines are designed to be clearer and more consistent.
"This new code provides a tougher, but fairer framework for the international game," ICC chief executive officer Malcolm Speed said. "There are far more stringent maximum penalties than previously, but it is also more transparent and will be applied more consistently than in the past.
"All players will be fully aware of the punishments they can expect if they flout the laws in the future."
Under the new rules, violence, threats of violence, offensive language and taunting gestures could cost players money and playing time.
The severity of the offences has been divided into four levels with the introduction of a right of appeal for the two most serious levels. Bureau Report