Nahida Akter, Sarmin Sultana fined for ICC code of conduct breach in second WODI vs SL
Dubai, April 25
Bangladesh cricketers Nahida Akter and Sarmin Sultana have been fined 10 per cent of their match fees for separate Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second ODI of the ICC Women's Championship series against Sri Lanka.
The sanctions were imposed following incidents during the match in Rajshahi, where both players were found to have committed offences under different articles of the Code.
Nahida breached Article 2.5, which pertains to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match." Sarmin, meanwhile, was found guilty under Article 2.8, which relates to "showing dissent at an Umpire's decision during an International Match."
In addition to the fines, both players have received one demerit point each on their disciplinary records. It marks their first offence within a 24-month period.
The incidents occurred in consecutive phases of the match. Nahida gave a send-off to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu after dismissing her in the 17th over, gesturing towards the pavilion. Earlier, in the 16th over of Bangladesh's innings, Sarmin showed visible dissent after being adjudged LBW, pointing towards her bat and delaying her departure from the crease.
The charges were levelled by the on-field umpiring team comprising Eloise Sheridan and Rokeya Sultana, along with third umpire Dolly Rani Sarkar and fourth umpire Shathira Jakir Jesy. Both players admitted their respective offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel; hence, no formal hearings were required.
Level 1 offences under the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and can extend up to 50 per cent of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
On the field, Sri Lanka bounced back strongly in the contest, clinching the second ODI to level the three-match series 1-1 and set up a decider. The two sides are currently playing the series decider, underway at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian fan watching women's cricket grow across the subcontinent, it's disappointing to see players lose composure like this. Bangladesh team has been doing well lately; moments like these take away from the actual cricket. Sarmin pointing at her bat after LBW - we've all been there, but accept it and move on. Hope they learn from this. 🏏
First offence in 24 months? Then this feels a bit harsh. ICC should reserve fines for repeat offenders or for really aggressive behaviour. Gesturing towards the pavilion after getting Chamari is not that big a deal. But rules are rules I guess. The bigger story is SL bouncing back to level the series - that's more interesting!
Really proud to see Indian umpires involved here - Eloise Sheridan, Rokeya Sultana, Dolly Rani Sarkar, and Shathira Jakir Jesy. Women's cricket is getting the professional treatment it deserves. As for the fines, I think it's fair. Match referee Supriya Rani Das handled it well with both players admitting fault. No need for drama, just play good cricket! ✨
As someone who follows both men's and women's cricket, I think 10% is too lenient actually. Rules exist for a reason - you don't give send-offs, you don't argue with umpires. These players represent their country. Imagine if Kohli or Sharma did this regularly - heads would roll. Good that they accepted the sanctions quickly. Now focus on the decider! 🔥
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