Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Level 1 of the Code of Conduct during the clash against Jos Buttler’s England at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on October 15.
Gurbaz breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The offense relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”
The incident took place in the 19th over of Afghanistan’s innings. He got dismissed while trying to sneak a non-existent single. Despite a full-stretched dive, he could not make his ground. Angry at his captain or the decision to take the single, he cussed and slammed his bat on the boundary rope and a chair while walking back to the dressing room.
The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Rod Tucker and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Paul Reiffel, and fourth umpire Paul Wilson.
“Gurbaz admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing,” the ICC said in a release.
This was his first offense in a 24-month period. One demerit point has been added to Gurbaz’s disciplinary record. If he breaches the ICC Code of Conduct and gets more demerit points then it may lead to suspension as well. The fine he can face for the breach can be a maximum of 50 per cent. However, the ICC has not revealed the monetary plenty.
Gurbaz had scored 80 runs from 47 balls featuring eight fours and four sixes. His knock helped Afghanistan get off to a flier and post 284 on the board. England were bowled out for 215 and lost the match by 69 runs. Afghanistan opened their account with a win over the defending champions.
The win also marked an end to their long-running streak of 14 consecutive defeats in the World Cup which started in the 2015 edition. Afghanistan are currently sixth on the points table. They will face New Zealand in their next clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 18.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Abhishek Sharma comes back to form with 42-ball century vs Andhra
