3 Bangladesh, 2 India players charged by ICC for 'poor behaviour' after U19 World Cup final

In the wake of the ugly scenes that erupted after the final of the ICC U19 World Cup between India and Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned as many as five players. The thrilling final between the two teams ended on a controversial note as players from both the teams were involved in a physical altercation.

As soon as Rakibul Hasan hit the winning runs, Bangladesh players ran onto the pitch to celebrate their first-ever ICC U19 World Cup. But things soon turned ugly as they were involved in a physical altercation with their Indian counterparts. As per reports, Bangladesh players passed some comments which did not go down well with the Indian players and it led to the controversy.

Bangladesh had defeated India by three wickets (DLS method) to clinch their first-ever global trophy. Chasing a modest 177, they were 163 for 7 when rain arrived and the target was revised to 170 from 46 overs. Captain Akbar Ali starred with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 43 to help his side recover from 102/6 and clinch the title.

ICC takes action against five players

The ICC, meanwhile, did not take long to take action for the players’ poor behaviour after the game. They have sanctioned three Bangladesh players and two Indian players for their actions. From Bangladesh,  Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain and Rakibul Hasan were found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct for the newly-crowned champions while from India, Akash Singh and Ravi Bishnoi were also sanctioned.

Hridoy, Hossain and Singh were all handed six demerit points, with Rakibul and Bishnoi given five for the post-match incidents. Bishnoi was slapped with a further two demerit points for using “language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter” after dismissing Avishek Das.

“The elation and disappointment experienced by some players after the game spilt over into unedifying scenes that have no place in our sport,” said Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s General Manager Cricket as quoted by The Quint.

“Respect is at the very heart of the spirit of cricket, and players are expected to show self-discipline, congratulate the opposition on their successes and enjoy the success of their own team. It is disappointing that Code of Conduct charges needed to be laid after such a closely contested match, but it is important to reinforce the standard of behaviour that will be expected of these young players should they transition to senior international cricket,” he added.

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