February 22, 2025

Harmanpreet's Conduct Was Unpardonable

By Linus Garg
First publised on 2023-07-26 13:56:15

About the Author

Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.

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Sportspersons are expected to adhere to the code of conduct at all times. Yes they are allowed their indiscretions (and get punished for them as per the rules) in the highly competitive playing field but there is a line that must not be crossed. Further, when one is the captain of a side, one is expected to set an example and be the perfect ambassador for the country.

It is in this respect where the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur, has failed. Her tantrums on the field when she was given out (she shattered the stumps) and her later outburst against biased umpiring, though against the code of conduct and not to be condoned, could have been the result of disappointment. But what she did during the presentation ceremony was unpardonable. She asked the Bangladesh team to call the umpires also ("why don't you call the umpires too for the photo-op") as they were the real 'stars' of their win.

Kaur has been banned for two matches by the ICC and has been fined a total of 75% of her match fee for two separate breaches of code of conduct. This means she will miss the first two matches at the Asian Games. The punishment is as per the rules and is appropriate for her boorish behavior. But more than that, it is time BCCI acted strongly and told the skipper that such things will not be tolerated. Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana rightly asked Harmanpreet to learn some "manners". The Indian skipper should follow the advice and learn to control her explosive temper and know where to draw the line.