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Bangladesh Star Reprimanded For Abusive Language Against India In U19 World Cup 2024

image-lrrkze5wMaruf Mridha (X.com)

Bangladesh U19 bowler Maruf Mridha has been reprimanded for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup match against India in Bloemfontein.

Mridha was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to "using language, actions, or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match." As a result, one demerit point has been added to Mridha's disciplinary record, marking his first offense in a 24-month period.

The Bangladeshi speedster admitted to the offense and accepted the proposed sanction by Shaid Wadvalla of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Match Referees, obviating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Donovan Koch and Nigel Duguid, third umpire Allahudien Paleker, and fourth umpire Langton Rusere.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

The sequence unfolded during Bangladesh’s inaugural match in the ongoing ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh initiated with Maruf Mridha exhibiting skillful ball movement, causing trouble for the Indian openers. Eventually, he dismissed Arshin Kulkarni with a splendid delivery in the fourth over. Maruf continued with an impressive celebration, bending on his knees and gesturing towards the dressing room. 

Within a span of 20 deliveries, the 17-year-old replicated the same celebration after dismissing Musheer Ahmed Khan, creating a near carbon copy of the previous dismissal. The Bangladeshi speedster went on to secure three additional wickets, completing his five-wicket haul and marking the first of the U19 World Cup. Maruf concluded with exceptional figures.

His animated reactions were evident with each wicket he took.

The left-arm pacer engaged in a heated exchange with India’s wicket-keeper batter, Aravelly Avanish. After dismissing Avanish, Mridha pointed angrily towards the dressing room, leading to the on-field umpires taking note of his continuous aggressive behavior. Although Avanish refrained from engaging in verbal confrontation, the umpires deemed Mridha's actions inappropriate.

With 7 wickets in 2 games, Mridha stands as the highest wicket-taker in the competition.