Afghanistan pulled off a historic upset victory over England at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. But the euphoria was tainted by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the match. The emerging cricketing nation is basking in the glory of their World Cup triumph, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz actions during the game have cast a shadow over their moment of triumph.
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s remarkable win by scoring 80 runs, found himself in hot water when he breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This particular article pertains to the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”
BREAKING 🚨 : Rahmanullah Gurbaz reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
He slammed his bat on the boundary rope and chair in anger after getting runout in the match against England. pic.twitter.com/MfBGAAs4OR
— 🅒🅡🅘︎🅒︎🄲🅁🄰🅉🅈𝗠𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗨™ 🇮🇳❤️ (@MSDianMrigu) October 17, 2023
The unfortunate incident unfolded during the 19th over of Afghanistan’s innings when Gurbaz, after being run out, vented his frustration by slamming his bat on the boundary rope and chair as he left the field. Such actions not only tarnish the spirit of the game but also bring disrepute to the player and his team.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz did not contest the allegations and, in a display of sportsmanship, accepted the sanction imposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. He received one demerit point, marking his first offence in a 24-month period. The ICC’s demerit point system aims to maintain discipline in the sport, and it is pivotal for players to stay within the prescribed limits of behaviour.
As per the ICC Code of Conduct, Level 1 breaches carry a range of penalties. These can include an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. Gurbaz was fortunate that this incident resulted in a relatively lenient punishment, but he should be cautious in the future to avoid accumulating more demerit points.
It is important to highlight that when a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, these points are converted into suspension points, which can lead to a player facing a ban from the sport. It’s a scenario that Gurbaz, as well as Afghanistan’s team management, would undoubtedly want to avoid.
The focus now shifts to the forthcoming matches, and Afghanistan will aim to build on this momentum as they progress in the tournament. The team’s victory over England has undoubtedly raised their profile and bolstered their confidence, but they must not let disciplinary issues derail their campaign.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s actions, though addressed promptly, should serve as a lesson for all players about the importance of maintaining decorum on the field. Afghanistan’s journey in the World Cup continues, and they must channel their energy towards maintaining their winning streak while upholding the spirit of the game.