Harmanpreet Kaur at risk of missing two matches in Asian Games following Dhaka ruckus

India women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur made headlines for her on-field behaviour during the third ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday, July 22 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. The Indian captain first hit the stumps with her bat angrily after being given out LBW and later criticised the on-field umpires for some of the decisions which she termed as “pathetic.”

Harmanpreet’s behaviour could prove costly for India as she could miss the first two matches of the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Following the misconduct, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to come down heavily on the Indian captain with sanctions. 

According to a Cricbuzz report, Harmanpreet is expected to get four demerit points which could further lead to suspension for two international games. Notably, the women's cricket event in the Asian Games will begin on September 19. India have already qualified for the quarterfinals based on their ICC rankings which means that Harmanpreet is in danger of missing out in the quarterfinals and semi-finals of the tournament.

Hence, the Indian skipper will be able to make a comeback only in the finals if she accumulates four demerit points, provided India qualifies for the same.

The ICC Code of Conduct rules state, "When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points, resulting in a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for the player. Demerit Points remain on a player's disciplinary record for 24 months from their imposition, after which they will be expunged."

The Indian skipper has a right to appeal against the sanctions

The ICC is expected to announce the sanctions on July 24, however, there might be some delay due to procedural issues. The match officials have submitted a report to the ICC and the home board, in this case, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as per standard practice.

The Cricbuzz report further states that Harmanpreet has acknowledged her culpability in principle, however, whether she actually signed it is unknown. Once the sanctions are announced, the Indian skipper has the right to appeal, in which case a hearing will be conducted by the ICC match referee.