'Aggression is acceptable but this crossed the line' - Shahid Afridi's scathing attack on Harmanpreet Kaur's behavior during Bangladesh ODI

Harmanpreet Kaur's recent outburst during the third ODI against Bangladesh has sent shockwaves in the cricketing world. Indian women's team captain's aggressive display, smashing her stumps and berating the umpires publicly, has not only drawn severe criticism but has also resulted in her two-game suspension. In the same line of incidents, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has chimed in, expressing his disapproval of her actions.

In response to her breach of the Code of Conduct, the ICC fined Harmanpreet 75 percent of her match fee and handed her four demerit (2 suspension) points. However, Afridi believes the penalty should have been harsher, asserting that setting a strong example is crucial for the future.

"It's not just about India; such incidents have occurred in the past as well. Though it's uncommon in women's cricket, this incident was way too much, especially considering it took place during a major ICC event. Strong punishment would have set a precedent for the future. Aggression is acceptable in cricket, but this crossed the line," Afridi stated in an interview with Samaa TV.

As a result of accumulating four demerit points, Harmanpreet was automatically suspended for the next two limited-overs games, a standard ruling for such offenses. Unfortunately, this suspension comes at a critical juncture for the Indian women's team, which is set to compete in the Asian Games. Having already secured a spot in the quarter-finals, the team will miss its captain's services during the knockout matches. However, should India make it to the final, Harmanpreet would be eligible to play.

The incident has ignited debates about the importance of maintaining composure on the field. The spotlight on this issue could prompt cricketing authorities to reassess the penalties for such behavior in the future.

For now, the Indian team will have to cope without their skipper's leadership during the crucial matches ahead. It remains to be seen how they will fare without her presence on the field and whether her absence will impact their performance in the upcoming matches.