Harmanpreet may miss two knockout matches in Asian Games
Harmanpreet Kaur’s recent shenanigans in Bangladesh could have serious consequences for India. The captain of the women’s cricket team is at risk of missing the first two games of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to come down heavily on her conduct. Her unprovoked behaviour during and after the third and final ODI against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on July 22 could lead to four demerit points, as first reported by Cricbuzz on July 23. This may result in a suspension for two international games. India’s next assignment is the Hangzhou Asian Games. While the Games run from September 23 to October 8, the women’s cricket event begins on September 19. The Indian team, based on its ICC ranking, has qualified directly for the quarterfinals. If Harmanpreet accumulates four demerit points, she could potentially miss the quarterfinal and semifinal, both knockout matches, and only be eligible to play in the final, the gold medal clash, if the team progresses that far. According to the relevant ICC code of conduct rule, “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. Demerit Points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months from their imposition, after which they will be expunged.” The general consensus is that Harmanpreet’s behavior during the game was unwarranted. She first hit the stumps with her bat after being declared out and then, during the presentation, launched a diatribe against the match officials and Bangladesh cricket officials. The ICC is expected to announce the sanctions on Monday, but there might be a delay due to procedural issues. As per standard practice, the match officials have submitted a report to the ICC and the home board, in this case, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It is understood that Harmanpreet has acknowledged her culpability in principle, but whether she actually signed off on it is not known. Once the sanctions are announced, Harmanpreet has the right to appeal, in which case the ICC match referee will conduct a hearing.
