What happens when a player is warned, penalised or suspended for conduct?

Under Law 42 of the Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 4th Edition 2026), the umpires summon and inform you, as the offending player's captain, whenever an offence occurs (for a batter, they summon you to the field):

• Level 1 (for example dissent at a decision, offensive language, excessive appealing): the team's first offence at any Level brings a first and final warning, which applies to all members of your team for the rest of the match. A Level 1 offence after any earlier offence by your team brings 5 Penalty runs to the opposition.
• Level 2 (for example serious dissent, deliberate physical contact with a player, seriously insulting language): 5 Penalty runs to the opposition, and a warning that any future Level 1 offence by your team means 5 more.
• Level 3 (intimidating an umpire, threatening to assault a player or other person except an umpire): you must remove the player immediately, for 10 overs in a match not limited by overs, or one fifth of the innings' overs in a limited-overs match. No substitute is allowed for a fielder, and 5 Penalty runs go to the opposition.
• Level 4 (threatening or making deliberate contact with an umpire, assault or any act of violence): you must remove the player for the rest of the match, with no substitute for a fielder, and 5 Penalty runs go to the opposition.

The umpires report each occurrence after the match to your team's Executive and any Governing Body responsible, who may take further action against the captain, other individuals and the team. If you refuse to remove a player under Level 3 or 4, the umpires can award the match to the other side (Law 42.6.1).