The recent antics of Harmanpreet Kaur in Bangladesh may have detrimental effects for India. The International Cricket Council (ICC), which would likely take harsh action against the women’s cricket team captain, could cause her to miss the opening two matches of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
As initially reported by Cricbuzz on July 23, her unprovoked actions during and after the third and final ODI against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on July 22 could result in four demerit points. This can lead to a two-game international suspension.
The Asian Games in Hangzhou are India’s next task. The women’s cricket competition gets underway on September 19 while the Games are held from September 23 to October 8. The Indian team has automatically advanced to the quarterfinals depending on their ICC ranking. Harmanpreet might not play in the team’s knockout quarterfinal and semifinal if she accrues four demerit points, and she would only be qualified to compete in the team’s gold medal match in the event that they go that far.
The relevant ICC code of conduct rule states that “Demerit Points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months from their imposition, after which they will be expunged. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, 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.”
The majority of people agree that Harmanpreet’s actions throughout the game were inappropriate. After being dismissed and hitting the stumps with her bat, she began a tirade against the match officials and Bangladesh cricket officials during the presentation.
Although the ICC is scheduled to announce the punishment on Monday, there may be a delay because of formalities. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the home board in this case, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have both received a report from the match officials as per regular procedure. Although Harmanpreet is believed to have accepted her guilt in theory, it is unknown if she truly gave her approval.
Harmanpreet has the option to contest the sanctions after they are revealed, in which case the ICC match referee would hold a hearing.
