The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken stern action against Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur for her unbecoming conduct during the recent Bangladesh tour. The apex board found Kaur in violation of two separate ICC Code of Conduct regulations, prompting sanctions for her actions.
The incidents occurred during the third match of the ICC Women’s Championship series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday. Kaur’s first transgression took place when she vented her frustration by striking the stumps with her bat after being declared caught at slip off spinner Nahida Akter in the 34th over of India’s run chase.
For this Level 2 offense, Kaur was fined 50 percent of her match fee and received three demerit points on her disciplinary record. The charge falls under Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.”
The Indian captain also faced consequences for a Level 1 offense relating to “public criticism in relation to an incident occurring in an international match.” During the presentation ceremony, Kaur openly criticized the umpiring decisions made in the match. As a result, she was fined 25 percent of her match fee for this breach.
Kaur admitted to both offenses and accepted the sanctions proposed by Akhtar Ahmed of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Given her cooperation, a formal hearing was not necessary, and the penalties were swiftly implemented.
Under normal circumstances, a Level 2 breach entails penalties ranging from 50 to 100 percent of the player’s match fee, accompanied by three or four demerit points. Meanwhile, a Level 1 breach typically results in an official reprimand or a fine amounting to a maximum of 50 percent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Due to the accumulation of four demerit points, Kaur’s sanction converted to two suspension points. Consequently, she will be suspended from participating in either one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, depending on what comes first for the Indian team.
The ICC’s firm action against the Indian captain serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the spirit of the game and respecting the decisions made on the field. Players are expected to maintain discipline and display sportsmanship, setting an example for aspiring cricketers and fans alike.
