The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on April 27, that Towhid Hridoy has been handed a four-match ban, effective immediately. Towhid Hridoy, who is leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL), has been punished for breaching BCB's code of conduct.
Four-match ban for Towhid Hridoy
The 24-year-old star batter, who has represented Bangladesh in 77 white-ball matches, had previously received a one-match ban, which was deferred following objections from players. However, he has now been found guilty of violating the BCB's code of conduct for players and player support personnel during the DPDCL match between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Gazi Group Cricketers at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) on April 26, 2025.
The charge against Hridoy pertains to showing dissent towards an umpire's decision during the aforementioned match. This charge was brought forth by the on-field umpires Moniruzzaman Tinku and Ali Arman Rajon, third umpire Muhammad Kamruzzaman, and fourth official ATM Ikram.
The incident in question involved Hridoy lingering at the crease for a considerable period after being dismissed via a catch in the recent game.
"Mr. Hridoy denied the charge and opted to contest it at a full disciplinary hearing. However, despite prior communication, he failed to appear at the hearing scheduled in the umpires' dressing room," BCB said in a statement.
Following the guidelines outlined in Clause 5.2.6 of the Code of Conduct for the DPDCL 2024-25, Match Referee Akhtar Ahmad addressed the matter and subsequently imposed a sanction on Towhid Hridoy. The penalty consists of a fine amounting to Taka 10,000 (Ten Thousand Taka) along with the addition of one (1) demerit point to his record. Mr. Hridoy was found to have committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the BCB Code of Conduct. This article specifically pertains to "Showing Dissent at an Umpire's Decision during a Match." Sanctions for Level 1 offences range from a minimum of an official warning to a maximum penalty of Taka 40,000 and/or the accumulation of one (1) or two (2) demerit points.
"This latest demerit point brings Mr. Hridoy's total to eight (8) demerit points, including seven (7) accumulated from previous breaches. As a result, he will serve a four (4)-match suspension, effective immediately," the statement added.