Tahir was found to have violated Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “ conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game” .

In accordance with Article 7.3 of the revised Code, which came into effect on September 22, in addition to the sanction imposed for his breach of Article 2.1.1, two demerit points have been added to Tahir’s disciplinary record.

Pursuant to Article 7.6 of the Code, if Tahir reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, his demerit points will be converted into, at least, two suspension points which will equate to a ban from his next match or matches. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.

During Australia’s run-chase, Tahir displayed a lack of respect for the umpires when he ignored their requests to stop by continuing to verbally engage with opener David Warner. His behaviour was, therefore, deemed as conduct that was contrary to the spirit of the game.

All level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official warning, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

After the match, Tahir pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanctions by Chris Broad of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Shaun George and Joel Wilson, third umpire Nigel Llong and fourth official Adrian Holdstock.

The Proteas won the match by 31 runs to secure a 5-0 whitewash in the series.

Tahir returned figures of 10-1-42-2.

Sport24