During the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World (CWC) Cup 2024, Nepal’s off-spinner, Subhash Bhandari, found himself in the spotlight for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
The incident unfolded during a group stage encounter between Nepal and Pakistan in East London on January 24, a match that ultimately saw Pakistan clinch victory by five wickets, chasing down Nepal’s total of 197 in the 48th over.
The breach occurred in the 14th over of Pakistan’s batting innings when Bhandari threw the ball inappropriately towards Shahzaib Khan, connecting with his forearm.
This action raised concerns and resulted in Bhandari being found in violation of Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, specifically addressing the “throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match.”
The consequences of this breach were not limited to the on-field incident. Bhandari, who had a clean disciplinary record until now, received one demerit point, marking it as a first-time offense within a 24-month period.
The charges were brought forward by the vigilant on-field umpires, Phil Gillespie and Bongani Jele, along with TV umpire Forster Mutizwa and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan, collectively ensuring a fair assessment of the situation.
In response to the charges, Bhandari swiftly admitted his mistake and willingly accepted the proposed sanction from the ICC Match Referee, Graeme Labrooy. The cooperative approach taken by the young cricketer eliminated the need for a formal hearing, reflecting his understanding of the gravity of the situation.
The ICC’s Level 1 breaches are not to be taken lightly, and they carry a range of potential penalties. In this case, Bhandari received an official reprimand, shedding light on the seriousness of his actions.
Additionally, the ICC allows for a maximum penalty of a 50 percent deduction from the player’s match fee, along with the issuance of one or two demerit points.
It is worth noting that demerit points can accumulate and result in more severe consequences for players with repeated violations. However, Bhandari’s prompt acknowledgment and acceptance of the consequences serve as a testament to his sportsmanship and commitment to fair play.
As Bhandari continues to evolve in his cricketing journey, this incident serves as a valuable lesson for the young talent. The U19 Cricket World Cup is not only a platform for showcasing skills but also an arena where players learn the importance of maintaining composure and adhering to the highest standards of sportsmanship.
In the grand scheme of things, Subhash Bhandari’s reprimand serves as a reminder to all aspiring cricketers about the significance of respecting the spirit of the game.
