Indian women’s cricket team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, finds herself under scrutiny as BCCI president Roger Binny and NCA head VVS Laxman are set to question her about Harmanpreet Kaur outbursts during the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the two cricketing legends will engage in discussions with Harmanpreet Kaur, specifically addressing her conduct during the third ODI match against Bangladesh.
During that particular game, Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her frustration with the umpire’s decision by striking the stumps with her bat after being given out in the 34th over. Her actions were followed by remarks about the umpiring during the post-match presentation ceremony. While such displays of emotion are not uncommon in the sport, the timing and manner of her reaction raised concerns within the cricketing community.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) intervened and found Harmanpreet Kaur guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct on two separate occasions. As a consequence, she was handed a fine amounting to 75 percent of her match fees and received four demerit points. Accumulation of these demerit points led to her suspension for the quarter-final and semi-final matches of the upcoming 2023 Asian Games. This suspension will undoubtedly be a significant blow to both Harmanpreet and the Indian team, as the Asian Games present a crucial opportunity for showcasing their talent and prowess on the international stage.
Following a directive from the board, Roger Binny and VVS Laxman will hold discussions with Harmanpreet Kaur in the coming days. The aim is to understand the reasons behind her actions and to address any concerns related to her conduct on the field. While emotions can run high during intense matches, there is a general expectation that players, especially captains, maintain decorum and uphold the spirit of the game.
In light of the incident, the cricketing fraternity has offered mixed reactions. Former India captain Anjum Chopra acknowledged Harmanpreet’s passion for winning and the emotions that come with competitive sports. However, Chopra also emphasized the importance of expressing displeasure in a more selective and measured manner, particularly when representing the national team.
As the cricketing world awaits the outcome of the discussions with the BCCI officials, Harmanpreet Kaur’s actions serve as a reminder to players at all levels about the significance of maintaining composure and sportsmanship, even under challenging circumstances. The incident provides an opportunity for introspection and growth, both for the individual player and the team as a whole.