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[Saba Sports News] Afghanistan’s star player, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has been officially reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. This incident occurred during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 league match between Afghanistan and England in Delhi.
Gurbaz’s misconduct directly violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.” Such actions are typically penalized in cricket.
The incident occurred in the 19th over of Afghanistan’s innings when, after his dismissal, Gurbaz expressed his frustration by slamming his bat on the boundary rope and a nearby chair. This prompted immediate action from the ICC.
According to ICC guidelines, a Level 1 breach results in an official reprimand, with the potential for a maximum punishment of 50% of the player’s match fee. Additionally, one or two demerit points can be imposed. In Gurbaz’s case, he now has one demerit point on his disciplinary record, as it was his first offense within a 24-month period.
This incident highlights the importance of sportsmanship and self-control on the cricket field, especially during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where players are under intense scrutiny. Accumulating four or more demerit points within a 24-month period can lead to suspension points, potentially resulting in a ban from international matches.
Looking ahead, Afghanistan is scheduled to face New Zealand in the 16th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The team is riding high on confidence after their recent victory over the defending champions and aims to put up a strong fight against the runners-up of the previous edition.