In a recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Group D match, Bangladesh cricketer Tanzim Hasan Saqib was fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
The incident occurred during the game against Nepal at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday.
Tanzim’s actions during the match were deemed to violate Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to inappropriate physical contact with a player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee, or any other person, including spectators, during an international match.
The specific incident took place at the end of the third over of Nepal’s innings. Tanzim, after delivering a ball, walked aggressively towards Nepal batter Rohit Paudel and made inappropriate physical contact.
Such behavior is considered a serious breach of conduct, especially in a high-profile tournament like the T20 World Cup, where sportsmanship and respect are paramount.
As a result of this breach, Tanzim has been fined 15 percent of his match fee. Additionally, one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record.
This is Tanzim’s first offense within a 24-month period. The ICC Code of Conduct is strict about maintaining discipline and ensuring that players adhere to the highest standards of behavior on the field. The accumulation of demerit points can lead to more severe penalties, including suspensions.
Tanzim admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. This acceptance meant that there was no need for a formal hearing, streamlining the disciplinary process.
The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sam Nogajski, third umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal, and fourth umpire Kumar Dharmasena.
Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points. The ICC takes these breaches seriously to maintain the integrity and spirit of the game.
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining composure and sportsmanship on the field. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a global event watched by millions, and players are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Fans and aspiring cricketers look up to these athletes, and their behavior sets a precedent for sportsmanship and respect in the game.