In a thrilling encounter during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Team India faced off against their arch-rivals, Pakistan. The match concluded with India triumphing by 6 wickets, marking their first win in the tournament. However, the celebration was slightly marred by a disciplinary issue involving one of the standout players from the match.
Big Action Against Indian Bowler
Indian fast bowler Arundhati Reddy, who played a pivotal role in securing the victory over Pakistan, has found herself in hot water with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Following a remarkable performance where she took three wickets and only conceded 19 runs in her four overs, Reddy’s emotional outburst after claiming the wicket of Pakistan’s Nida Dar drew criticism.
Incident Leading to Disciplinary Action
During the tense moments of the match, after dismissing Nida Dar in the final over of Pakistanโs innings, Reddy celebrated with considerable fervor, gesturing towards the opposition’s pavilion. While sporting emotions are often celebrated in sports, this particular display was deemed excessive, leading to a breach of the ICC’s Code of Conduct.
ICC’s Ruling and Consequences
The ICC issued a statement confirming that Arundhati Reddy had violated Article 2.5 of their Code of Conduct for Players and Associate Members. This article addresses the use of offensive language, actions, or gestures during an international match that could provoke undue reactions from dismissed players.
As a result of her actions, Reddy received a reprimand and was assigned one demerit point to her disciplinary record. Fortunately for her, this is her first offense in a 24-month period, allowing her to avoid more severe penalties. The set consequences for level one violations can range from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of the match fee, and potentially one or two demerit points. Given that accumulating four or more demerit points within a two-year span could lead to a ban, Reddy is likely to reflect on this experience moving forward.
Accepting the decision of the on-field umpires, Eloise Sheridan and Lauren Agenbag, along with third umpire Jacqueline Williams and fourth umpire Claire Polosak, Reddy demonstrated sportsmanship, acknowledging the need for adherence to the sport’s regulations.
A Stellar Performance Amidst Controversy
Despite the controversy, Arundhati Reddy’s performance on the field was commendable. Not only did she secure three key wickets against Pakistan, but she also made an impact in India’s opening match against New Zealand, claiming another wicket. Her consistent bowling and ability to take crucial wickets highlight her importance to the Indian side in this tournament.
This incident serves as a reminder of the fine line players must walk between passionate expressions of sport and adhering to established guidelines. As Team India looks forward to the rest of the World Cup, Reddy will undoubtedly aim to replicate her impressive bowling capabilities while ensuring her celebrations remain within the bounds of sporting conduct.
