Cricket – Bangladesh players penalised during tense Women’s Championship ODI clash
Cricket – Bangladesh cricketers Nahida Akter and Sarmin Sultana were handed financial penalties after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during a closely contested One Day International against Sri Lanka.
Separate breaches during key match moments
The disciplinary action followed incidents that took place during the second ODI of the ICC Women’s Championship series in Rajshahi. Both players were found to have violated different provisions of the code, leading to fines amounting to 10 percent of their respective match fees.
Nahida Akter was charged under Article 2.5, which deals with the use of words, gestures, or actions that may provoke or offend a batter following dismissal. Sarmin Sultana, on the other hand, was penalised under Article 2.8 for showing disagreement with an umpire’s decision during play.
Demerit points added to records
Along with the monetary sanctions, each player received one demerit point. As this is their first recorded offence within a two-year window, the consequences remain limited but will stay on their disciplinary records for 24 months.
Level 1 breaches, the least severe category under ICC regulations, can result in penalties ranging from a formal warning to a fine of up to half of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
On-field incidents explained
The incidents unfolded during consecutive overs in the match. Nahida’s breach occurred in the 17th over of Sri Lanka’s innings when she dismissed captain Chamari Athapaththu. After taking the wicket, Nahida gestured toward the pavilion in what was deemed an inappropriate send-off.
Earlier, during Bangladesh’s innings in the 16th over, Sarmin Sultana reacted visibly after being given out leg-before-wicket. She pointed toward her bat, indicating disagreement with the decision, and delayed leaving the crease, which was interpreted as dissent.
Officials report and player response
The charges were brought forward by the officiating team, which included on-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Rokeya Sultana, third umpire Dolly Rani Sarkar, and fourth umpire Shathira Jakir Jesy.
Both Nahida and Sarmin accepted the charges without contest. Match referee Supriya Rani Das from the Emirates ICC International Panel imposed the sanctions. Since the players admitted their offences, no formal disciplinary hearings were required.
Match outcome and series situation
While the disciplinary matters drew attention, the on-field contest remained competitive. Sri Lanka delivered a strong performance to secure victory in the second ODI, bringing the three-match series level at 1-1.
The result set up a decisive final match, with both teams aiming to clinch the series. The concluding game is being played at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi, adding further significance to an already closely fought contest.
Focus on maintaining on-field discipline
Incidents like these highlight the ICC’s continued emphasis on maintaining professionalism and respect during international matches. Even minor breaches are monitored closely to ensure the spirit of the game is upheld.
Players are regularly reminded of their responsibilities, particularly in high-pressure situations where emotions can run high. The quick resolution of these cases reflects a system designed to address issues promptly while allowing the focus to return to cricket.