Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana reprimanded for breaching ICC code of conduct
Dubai, May 4
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty has been handed an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third women's T20I against Sri Lanka in Sylhet on Saturday.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) stated that the Bangladesh skipper was found to have breached Article 2.2, which relates to the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match".
The incident took place during the Bangladesh innings when Nigar, visibly frustrated after being dismissed, threw her bat onto the ground before leaving the field. In addition to the formal reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Nigar's disciplinary record.
This marks her first offence within a 24-month period. "Nigar admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing," said the ICC in its statement on Monday.
The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Shathira Jakir Jesy, along with third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Champa Chakma. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
Under ICC regulations, demerit points remain on a player's disciplinary record for 24 months from the date of imposition. If a player reaches four or more demerit points within that period, they are converted into suspension points, leading to a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, depending on the player's schedule.
Coming to the match, Sri Lanka completed a clinical 3-0 series sweep of Bangladesh after clinching a rain-shortened third T20I by three runs. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu spearheaded the victory with a stellar all-round performance - top-scoring with 41 runs before returning to claim 2-15.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Level 1 breach and just one demerit point – seems fair. ICC is consistent with these things. But more than the penalty, Bangladesh need to sort out their batting. Being swept 3-0 by Sri Lanka at home is a bigger concern for Nigar. The bat-throwing is just a symptom of deeper issues.
I feel bad for her, but rules are rules. 🤷♀️ The good thing is she accepted the sanction without dragging it into a formal hearing – that shows maturity. Chamari Athapaththu is on fire though! 41 runs and 2 wickets? She's showing why she's one of the best all-rounders in women's cricket.
This is nothing compared to some of the antics we've seen in men's cricket – remember certain stars throwing helmets and breaking things? But having said that, it's good the ICC is clamping down. One demerit point is a warning shot. Let's hope she doesn't get to four, or Bangladesh will be in real trouble.
The umpiring panel is interesting – all women officials from different countries. Good to see that diversity. On the issue, Nigar should remember she's the face of Bangladesh women's cricket. A moment of frustration is human, but as captain, you've got to keep your cool. Hope the demerit point doesn't come back to haunt her.
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