The recently concluded ODI series between India and Bangladesh women’s cricket teams saw intense on-field battles and nail-biting matches. Unfortunately, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s post-match gestures stole the spotlight. While Bangladesh held the Asian giants to a 1-1 series draw, Harmanpreet’s conduct during the series decider has garnered significant attention and criticism.
After a stunning turnaround by Bangladesh in the 3rd ODI to end it in a draw, Harmanpreet’s actions post-match overshadowed the home team’s remarkable performance. The India captain voiced her disagreements over some of the umpiring decisions and later mocked the Bangladesh team, leading to a joint photograph session boycott by the visiting players.
Harmanpreet’s disappointment with the standard of umpiring in the third match was evident when she expressed her frustration by smashing the stumps with her bat after her dismissal. There were also instances in the series where contentious umpiring calls went against India’s batters.
However, her post-match conduct sparked a wave of criticism and condemnation. In a viral video after the match, Harmanpreet called the umpires to join the photograph session, implying they were part of the Bangladesh team. This gesture was deemed disrespectful and insulted the Bangladesh players, leading their captain, Nigar Sultan, to urge her team to leave the session.
India cricket legend Madan Lal, a 1983 World Cup-winning team member, took to Twitter to condemn Harmanpreet’s behaviour and called for strict action from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Madan Lal Tweeted, “Harmanpreet’s behaviour against the Bangladesh women’s team was pathetic. She is not bigger than the game. She got a very bad name for Indian cricket. BCCI should take very strict disciplinary action.”
Harmanpreet’s behaviour against the Bangladesh women’s team was pathetic. She is not bigger than the game. She got a very bad name for Indian cricket. BCCI should take very strict disciplinary action.
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) July 23, 2023
Nigar Sultan also criticized Harmanpreet, expressing her disappointment with the India captain’s lack of manners and respect. She emphasized that cricket is a game of discipline and respect and felt that the environment during the photography session was inappropriate, leading to her team’s decision to leave.
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The BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have not released official statements on the incident. However, reports suggest that Harmanpreet will likely be fined 75 per cent of her match fees and receive demerit points for her actions.
She said: “It is totally her problem. I have nothing to do with it. As a player, she could have shown better manners. I can’t tell you what happened, but it didn’t feel right to be there [for the photograph] with my team. It wasn’t the right environment. That’s why we went back. Cricket is a game of discipline and respect.”
Harmanpreet’s actions have drawn attention to the need for players to maintain decorum both on and off the field. It remains to be seen how the cricketing authorities will address the matter, and it is hoped that the incident will serve as a lesson for all players to uphold the values of the game they represent.
