ICC Bans India Women’s Cricket Captain Harmanpreet Kaur for 2 Matches

ICC Bans India Women’s Cricket Captain Harmanpreet Kaur for 2 Matches

India’s cricket captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has been suspended for her team’s next two international matches due to two separate breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct. The incidents occurred during the third match of their ICC Women’s Championship series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.

The suspension comes as a disciplinary measure taken by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in response to Kaur’s actions during the match. The specific details of the breaches and the nature of the disciplinary action taken by the ICC have not been mentioned in the provided information.

Cricket players are expected to adhere to the ICC Code of Conduct, which outlines the standards of behavior and fair play required on the field. Kaur’s suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and integrity in international cricket competitions.

Harmanpreet Kaur has been fined 50 percent of her match fee and has received three demerit points on her disciplinary record for a Level 2 offense. She was found guilty of breaching Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.”

The penalty was imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in response to Kaur’s actions during the third match of the ICC Women’s Championship series against Bangladesh in Dhaka. By showing dissent at an umpire’s decision, Kaur violated the conduct standards expected from players during the game.

Demerit points are used by the ICC to track player behavior, and if a player accumulates a certain number of points within a specified period, further sanctions can be imposed, including suspension from matches.

Kaur’s disciplinary action serves as a reminder to all players to uphold the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship on the field and to respect the decisions made by match officials.

In addition to the earlier mentioned fine and demerit points, Harmanpreet Kaur has also been fined 25 percent of her match fee for a Level 1 offense. She was found guilty of breaching Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to “public criticism concerning an incident occurring in an international match.”

This further fine was imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to Kaur’s public criticism regarding an incident that occurred during an international match. Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct seeks to prevent players from publicly criticizing match events or decisions that may undermine the integrity of the game.

The combined disciplinary measures aim to hold players accountable for their actions on and off the field and serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline, respect, and sportsmanship in international cricket competitions.

The first incident occurred in the 34th over of India’s innings when Harmanpreet Kaur expressed dissent at the umpire’s decision. After being adjudged caught by slip-off spinner Nahida Akter, Kaur showed her dissatisfaction by hitting the wickets with her bat.

The second incident took place during the presentation ceremony when Kaur openly criticized the umpiring decisions made during the match. Her public criticism of the umpiring in the match led to the Level 1 offense under Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to “public criticism about an incident occurring in an international match.”

Both incidents are considered breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct and have resulted in fines and disciplinary points on Kaur’s record. The penalties are intended to uphold the integrity of the game and emphasize the importance of maintaining respect and sportsmanship on and off the field.

Harmanpreet Kaur admitted the offenses and accepted the sanctions proposed by Akhtar Ahmed, who is part of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. As a result of Kaur’s acceptance of the charges and proposed sanctions, there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charges were initially leveled by the on-field umpires Tanvir Ahmed and Muhammad Kamruzzaman, along with the third umpire Moniruzzamman and fourth umpire Ali Arman. They observed the incidents during the match and reported them as breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Kaur’s acknowledgment of the offenses and acceptance of the sanctions demonstrate a willingness to take responsibility for her actions on the field and abide by the rules set forth by the ICC. By doing so, she avoided the need for a formal hearing, and the disciplinary matter was resolved efficiently based on her acceptance of the charges and the proposed penalties.

Level 2 breaches carry a more severe penalty, with players facing a fine of between 50 and 100 percent of their match fee and being awarded three or four demerit points on their disciplinary record. These demerit points accumulate and can lead to further sanctions if a player accumulates a certain number within a specified period.

On the other hand, Level 1 breaches carry a less severe penalty. Players found guilty of a Level 1 offense can receive a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of a fine equivalent to 50 percent of their match fee. They are also awarded one or two demerit points on their disciplinary record.

The demerit points system is used by the ICC to track player conduct and behavior. Accumulation of demerit points within a specific timeframe can result in additional sanctions, including suspensions from matches.

By understanding the penalties associated with different levels of breaches, players are encouraged to uphold the code of conduct and ensure fair play and sportsmanship during international cricket matches.

Kaur’s four demerit points have converted to two suspension points, which means she will face a ban from participating in India’s forthcoming matches.

Two suspension points in the ICC’s disciplinary system equate to a ban from one Test match or two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) or two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), whichever comes first for the player or player support personnel. Therefore, Kaur’s suspension will result in her being ineligible to participate in either one Test match or two ODIs, or two T20Is, depending on the format of the forthcoming matches that India will play.

This suspension serves as a disciplinary measure and reminder for players to adhere to the ICC Code of Conduct and maintain proper conduct on and off the field during international cricket competitions.