In a highly charged third ODI between India and Bangladesh women’s cricket teams, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s emotional outburst has landed her in hot water, with a potential two-match suspension looming over her head. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to release an official statement regarding the retribution for her actions, but if the punishment is enforced, Kaur will become the first female player to be banned under ICC’s disciplinary measures. According to reports from ESPN, match officials have attributed four demerit points to Kaur’s conduct during the match.
ICC rules state that a player can face a suspension of two ODIs, one Test, or two T20Is, whichever comes first, if they accumulate between four to seven demerit points within a 24-month period. Kaur’s behavior during the game led to three demerit points for breaking the stumps with her bat after being given out in the slip, and one demerit point for criticizing the umpire publicly during the post-match presentation. The controversy began when Kaur expressed her frustration at the umpire’s decisions, leading to a heated argument on the field as she walked back after her dismissal.
The situation escalated as she broke the stumps in an act of defiance, displaying her emotions on full display. In her post-match comments, Kaur voiced her disappointment over what she deemed “pathetic umpiring” during the game. She asserted that the team was taken aback by the type of umpiring that transpired during the match and felt let down by some of the decisions made by the officials. Her statements have added fuel to the fire and brought further attention to the controversial match.
While the final decision on the suspension rests with the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in communication with the apex body to address the matter. Kaur’s potential ban could have significant implications for the Indian women’s cricket team, as she is a key player and the team’s skipper.
The tied ODI between India and Bangladesh resulted in a 1-1 scoreline, with both teams sharing the series. However, the focus has now shifted towards Kaur’s conduct and the impending ICC decision. The cricketing world will be closely watching how this situation unfolds and what actions will be taken to maintain the integrity of the game and players’ behavior on the field.