The captain of India’s women’s cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur, has been handed a suspension for the upcoming two international matches following two separate breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct.
The incidents took place during the intense ICC Women’s Championship series clash against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The first breach occurred when Kaur, visibly frustrated after her dismissal, struck the wickets with her bat, subsequent to being caught at slip off spinner Nahida Akter in the 34th over of India’s innings.
As a result of this Level 2 offence, Kaur has incurred a 50 per cent fine on her match fee and has been awarded three demerit points on her disciplinary record. This breach is in violation of article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to “displaying dissent at an umpire’s decision.”
READ MORE: World Cup 2023: Philippines Stun Kiwis, Colombia Triumph, Norway Struggles
Furthermore, Kaur has also been fined 25 per cent of her match fee for a Level 1 offence. This breach arose from “public criticism regarding an incident occurring in an international match,” as she openly voiced her dissatisfaction with the umpiring during the post-match presentation ceremony. She has received one demerit point for this on her disciplinary record.
Kaur took full responsibility for her actions and accepted the proposed sanctions put forth by Akhtar Ahmed of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Consequently, a formal hearing was deemed unnecessary, and the penalties were promptly enforced.
READ MORE: Pakistan Seizes Control in Second Test Against Sri Lanka on Day 1
Typically, a Level 2 breach carries penalties ranging from 50 to 100 per cent of the player’s match fee, along with three or four demerit points, while a Level 1 breach results in a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, up to a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
READ MORE: Germany, Brazil, Italy Triumph in Electrifying Women’s World Cup Matches
In the case of Harmanpreet Kaur, accumulating four demerit points from the infractions has led to her suspension from either one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, depending on which comes first for the team.
This development has garnered significant attention in the cricketing world, and fans eagerly await Kaur’s return to action after the suspension period.