In the seventh match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, India’s Arundhati Reddy was named Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling performance, achieving figures of 3 for 19, which played a pivotal role in her team’s victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. However, her on-field display sparked some controversy.
Reddy faced challenges during the match, as two crucial catches off her bowling were missed by Asha Sobhana, allowing Muneeba Ali and Fatima Sana to capitalize. Nevertheless, Reddy retaliated effectively, claiming the vital wicket of Pakistan’s captain Nida Dar in the final over. However, this achievement was marred by her actions post-dismissal; she displayed an aggressive send-off gesture towards the pavilion, which caught the eye of the match officials and resulted in a reprimand for violating the ICC Code of Conduct.
Specifically, Reddy breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which prohibits “using language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive response from a dismissed batter during an international match.”
Arundhati Reddy after dismissing all-rounder Nida Dar, gestured in the direction of the pavilion.#CricketTwitter #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/AgP5XXZqlY
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 7, 2024
As a result, Reddy received one demerit point on her disciplinary record. This marked her first offence in the past 24 months. She accepted the penalty recommended by Shandre Fritz, a member of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, which meant there was no need for a formal hearing.
The charge was laid by the on-field umpires, Eloise Sheridan and Lauren Agenbag, alongside third umpire Jacqueline Williams and fourth umpire Claire Polosak.
Level 1 breaches can incur penalties that range from an official reprimand to fines of up to 50% of the player’s match fee, and possibly one or two demerit points. According to ICC guidelines, if a player accumulates four demerit points within a 24-month period, those points convert to suspension points, which can lead to a ban.
Two suspension points result in a ban from one Test or two limited overs matches (ODIs or T20Is), whichever occurs first. Demerit points remain active on a player’s record for 24 months before being removed.
India’s next challenge in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be a significant match against Sri Lanka on October 9. Despite the recent reprimand, Arundhati Reddy continues to be a crucial asset for the Indian squad. Her performance under pressure, as demonstrated in the last match, highlights her importance as India seeks to maintain their winning streak.
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