ICC Reprimands Prince, Verreynne Over Dissent
South Africa's batting coach and a batter each received a reprimand and one demerit point for showing dissent during the Cape Town Test against Australia.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Tennis
The International Cricket Council handed Ashwell Prince, South Africa's batting coach, and batter Kyle Verreynne official reprimands and one demerit point each. The pair breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct by showing dissent at an umpire's decision during the Cape Town Test against Australia.
Why it matters
The sanctions apply to a player and a support staff member for the same incident, underlining that the ICC's Code of Conduct covers both. Because it was their first offence in a 24-month period, the penalties stay at the lower end of the disciplinary scale.
Each player received one demerit point, their first offence in a 24-month window, under Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct. It is not stated whether further sanctions could follow if a second offence occurs within that period.
The players
Ashwell Prince
South Africa's batting coach, who was reprimanded for repeatedly disputing the umpires' ruling during the Cape Town Test.
Kyle Verreynne
A South African batter who received a reprimand for showing dissent at an umpire's decision during the same Test.
Javagal Srinath
A former Indian fast bowler who served as the match referee and proposed the sanctions against Prince and Verreynne.
The details
After Marques Ackerman was given out caught by Cameron Green off Mitchell Starc in South Africa's second innings, he tried to review the decision, but the umpires ruled the 15-second review window had lapsed. Prince repeatedly shouted at the umpires that time remained, and the charges were brought by on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Lubabalo Gcuma; both players admitted the offences and match referee Javagal Srinath proposed the sanctions.
Timeline
Third day of the Cape Town Test: Ackerman was dismissed and Prince and Verreynne showed dissent.
November 2, 2026: the ICC announced the reprimands and demerit points.
Season Trajectory
The reprimands apply the ICC Code of Conduct's Article 2.8, which governs dissent at umpires' decisions, to a player and a support staff member in the same incident. The demerit point system means repeat offences within 24 months would carry heavier consequences for both men.
Because the offence was a first in a 24-month window, both men carry one demerit point that would count toward penalties for any repeat within that period. The incident also shows that dissent at an umpire's decision can draw formal discipline even when the player has already been dismissed.
The takeaway
Umpire decisions, including review windows, are final once the time limit lapses, and the ICC treats repeated protest as a disciplinary matter. Players and staff alike should channel disagreement through proper channels rather than shouting at officials.
Further reading
For more on rule enforcement across major competitions, see our Tennis coverage.
