India women’s cricket team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is likely to be penalised four demerit points for her conduct on the field and later at the post-match presentation during India’s third and final ODI against Bangladesh, which ended in a tie.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to come down heavily on her conduct, adding that Harmanpreet could be hit with four demerit points, resulting in a suspension for two international games.
The women’s T20 cricket event in the Asian Games starts on September 19.
Advertisement
“The Indian team, based on its ICC ranking, has qualified directly for the quarterfinals. If Harmanpreet accumulates four demerit points, she could potentially miss the quarterfinal and semifinal, both knockout matches, and only be eligible to play in the final, the gold medal clash, if the team progresses that far,” added the report.
In India’s chase of 226, Harmanpreet went for a sweep off Nahida Akter in the 34th over however, she missed the delivery and the ball seemingly went to slip off the pads. On Nahida’s appeal, the umpire raised the finger which saw Harmanpreet losing her cool.
In anger, a furious Harmanpreet hit the stumps with her bat and exchanged a few angry words with the umpire before walking towards the dressing room. On the way, she showed a thumbs up to the crowd when she reached the boundary ropes.
Later on, in the post-match presentation ceremony, she came down heavily on umpiring in the match, calling it “pathetic”, while adding that she was “really disappointed” with some decisions.
“When a player reaches four or more demerit points within 24 months, they are converted into suspension points, resulting in a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for the player. Demerit Points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months from their imposition, after which they will be expunged,” says the ICC Code of Conduct.
The report added that the ICC was expected to announce the sanctions on Monday, but there might be a delay due to procedural issues. “As per standard practice, the match officials have submitted a report to the ICC and the home board, in this case, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),” it added.
It further said Harmanpreet is understood to have acknowledged her culpability in principle, but whether she actually signed off on it is not known.
“Once the sanctions are announced, Harmanpreet has the right to appeal, in which case the ICC match referee will conduct a hearing,” concluded the report.