DUBAI – The International Cricket Council has brought in tougher code ofsanctions for ball tempering and personal abuse by making it a Level threeand Level two offence respectively.

The maximum sanction for a Level 3 offence has been increased from 8suspension points to 12 suspension points, equivalent to 6 Test matches or12 ODIs, on changing the condition of the ball.

According to a press release of ICC, match referees will now hear Level 1,2 and 3 charges with a Judicial Commissioner only hearing Level 4 chargesand appeals.

The ICC has also introduced an appeal fee, which players or members ofsupport staff will have to lodge before appealing a code-of-conduct charge.

The fee will only be refunded if the appeal is successful.

In the meeting at Dublin, the body also reviewed challenges to cricket fromthe t20 leagues.

The ICC Board has also agreed to look into how member boards can be madeaccountable for its players

The upgraded sanctions are a result of the ICC board approving the cricketcommittee’s recommendations.