In the seventh match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, India’s Arundhati Reddy earned the Player of the Match award for her remarkable bowling figures of 3 for 19, helping her team to a crucial victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. However, her performance on the field wasn’t without controversy.
Two vital catches were missed off Reddy’s bowling, both by Asha Sobhana, with Muneeba Ali and Fatima Sana benefiting from the errors. Despite the setbacks, Reddy bounced back, claiming the key wicket of Pakistan captain Nida Dar in the 20th over. But what followed drew the attention of the match officials; after bowling Dar, Reddy gave an aggressive send-off, gesturing towards the pavilion, an action that led to her being reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
Reddy was found in violation of 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, one demerit point was added to Reddy’s disciplinary record. This was her first offence within the last 24 months. Reddy accepted the penalty proposed by Shandre Fritz of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Lauren Agenbag, along with third umpire Jacqueline Williams and fourth umpire Claire Polosak, laid the charge.
Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of the player’s match fee and can include one or two demerit points. According to ICC regulations, if a player accumulates four demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points, which can result in a ban.
Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, or two limited overs matches (ODIs or T20Is), whichever comes first. Demerit points remain on a player’s record for 24 months before being expunged.
India’s next challenge in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is a crucial match against Sri Lanka on 9th October. Despite the recent reprimand, Arundhati Reddy remains an integral part of India’s squad. Her ability to deliver under pressure, as seen in the previous match, makes her a key player as India looks to continue their winning momentum.
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