Vivian Kingma receives 4-match suspension for ball tampering

Netherlands fast bowler Vivian Kingma has been suspended for four matches (ODIs/T20Is) for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, for changing the condition of the ball.

Apart from the suspension, five demerit points have been to his disciplinary record. The incident took place during the 31st over Netherlands' third ODI against Afghanistan in Doha on Tuesday (January 25). Kingma was seen using his nails to tamper with the ball.

"Kingma was found to have breached article 2.14 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC Standard Test Match, ODI and T20I Playing Conditions," the ICC media release said.

After taking notice of the change in conditions of the ball, the on-field umpires Ahmed Shah Pakteen and Ahmed Shah Durrani immediately slashed the Dutch with five penalty runs, which were added to Afghanistan's total.

In the end, the Netherlands had to chase 255 to secure a consolation victory and 10 World Cup ODI Super League points. 

However, Afghanistan bowled the Netherlands out for 179 in the 43rd over to win the series 3-0, despite Scott Edwards and Colin Ackermann putting up 106 for the first wicket.