India’s women’s team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has been facing severe criticism for her disgraceful on-field behaviour during the third and final ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday (July 22). The unruly act by Harmanpreet included a series of events that didn’t go down well with many veteran cricketers and fans. Among all, India’s former seamer Madan Lal also lashed out at the Women in Blue captain for her disrespectful conduct.
It is worth mentioning that Harmanpreet’s condemnable acts included hitting the stumps in anger after being given out LBW during India’s second innings in the third ODI and then further calling out the match officials for their pathetic decision-making in the post-match presentation. What followed this was even worse as a video of the India batter later surfaced on the internet where she allegedly asked the umpires to join in the group photograph session, hinting towards them also being part of Bangladesh’s side. Notably, the last match between Bangladesh and India ended in a tie, resulting in a drawn series (1-1).
In retaliation to Harmanpreet’s offending jibes, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana walked away from the photograph session along with her players. Sultana even addressed the same issue in the post-match press conference stating ‘she [Harmanpreet] could have shown better manners’.
The 1983 World Cup winner Madan took to his official Twitter handle on Sunday (July 23) and lambasted Harmanpreet for her disgraceful behaviour against her counterparts. He even urged the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) to take ‘very strict’ disciplinary action against her, emphasizing that Harmanpreet is not bigger than the game.
“Harmanpreet’s behaviour against the Bangladesh women’s team was pathetic. She is not bigger than the game. She got a very bad name for Indian cricket. BCCI should take very strict disciplinary action,” wrote Madan.
Harmanpreet’s behaviour against the Bangladesh women’s team was pathetic. She is not bigger than the game. She got a very bad name for Indian cricket. BCCI should take very strict disciplinary action.
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) July 23, 2023
