ICC Issues Reprimand to Salman Agha for Code of Conduct Violation
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Mirpur, March 14 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially reprimanded Pakistani cricketer Salman Agha, assigning him one demerit point to his disciplinary record following a violation of the Code of Conduct during the second One-Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh, held in Dhaka on Friday.
According to a statement from the ICC on Saturday, Agha was found to have violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, concerning the ‘abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.’ This incident marks Agha's first infraction in 24 months, resulting in the addition of one demerit point to his record.
The incident transpired during the 39th over of Pakistan's batting innings, where Agha, after being run out, displayed his frustration by throwing his batting gloves and helmet to the ground. Earlier, he had contributed significantly to the match, partnering with Mohammad Rizwan to score 109 runs for the fourth wicket. However, during the fourth delivery of that over, Rizwan played a soft shot off Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
As the ball rolled toward Agha, who was positioned outside his crease, he bent down to retrieve it after it made contact with his pads and returned the ball. Miraz quickly collected the ball and broke the stumps, leading to an appeal for a run-out.
The on-field umpire supported the appeal and referred the decision to the third umpire, who also ruled in favor of Bangladesh, confirming Agha's dismissal. His reaction to this decision was one of anger, resulting in him throwing down his gloves and helmet, which prompted the ICC's sanctions.
“Agha acknowledged the offence and accepted the sanction suggested by Neeyamur Rashid Rahul from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was raised by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Tanvir Ahmed, alongside third umpire Kumar Dharmasena and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul,” the ICC added.
Level 1 violations carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum of 50% of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points. Pakistan managed to equalize the three-match series with a commanding 128-run victory (via the DLS method) over Bangladesh and will face the hosts again in the series decider on Sunday.