Mashrafe Mortaza and Sabbir Rahman fined for misbehavior, Buttler warned

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and batsman Sabbir Rahman have been fined 20 percent of their match fees following a breach of the Code of Conduct for players during the 2nd ODI against England yesterday that the hosts won by 34 runs. English skipper Jos Buttler was also officially warned on the occasion.

Both Mortaza and Rahman were found to have breached Article 2.1.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an international match.” Jos Buttler was found guilty of breaching the Article 2.1.4, which deals with “using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an international match”.

The match saw England fall short by 34 runs. Bangladesh thus managed to level series 1-1 with a game to play. The ugly incident took place in the 28th over of England innings. Buttler was the lone ranger for the visitors. He was trapped lbw off the bowling of Taskin Ahmed. The umpire initially ruled it not out. However, three reds in the review saw Buttler walking back to the pavilion.

Bangladesh players were seen barging into Buttler in their celebrations. This did not go down well with the English skipper, who retaliated back. The umpires had to intervene to ease out the situation.

Also read – Maybe I should have just walked away: Jos Buttler

In addition to the fine and the warning, all the three players were given one demerit point each for their breach of the Code of Conduct. The rules for handling demerit points were revised in September and came into effect on 22 September.

As per the rules pursuant to Article 7.6 of the Code, if a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, his demerit points will be converted into, at least, two suspension points which will equate to a ban from his next match or matches. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.

While this was the first time that Mortaza and Buttler were handed a demerit point, Rahman already had 2 demerit points to his name. Rahman was handed 2 demerit points during the recent Afghanistan tour to Bangladesh.

Speaking on the decision, match referee Javagal Srinath said, “The Bangladesh players overstepped in their celebration of Jos Buttler’s wicket, which prompted an inappropriate reaction from the dismissed batsman and required the on-field umpires’ intervention. We all want to see high intensity on the field of play, but only as long as it is not provoking or antagonising or disrespecting the opponent.”

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