Harmanpreet Kaur fined (Source:@MidnightMusinng,x.com)
Mumbai Indians Women captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been fined 10% of her match fee for breaching the WPL Code of Conduct against UP Warriorz at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. The penalty was imposed after Kaur showed dissent at an umpire’s decision regarding field restrictions in the final over of the match.
The incident unfolded against UP Warriorz' when the on-field umpire informed Harmanpreet Kaur that due to Mumbai Indians' slow over rate, only three fielders could be placed outside the inner circle for the final over.
Heated Exchange With Umpire And Sophie Ecclestone
Unhappy with the rule, Mumbai Indian skipper engaged in an argument with the umpire, with Amelia Kerr also expressing her displeasure as she was set to bowl the last over.
The tension escalated when UP Warriorz' batter Sophie Ecclestone, who was at the non-striker’s end, walked toward the umpire, seemingly to clarify the situation.
Harmanpreet visibly irritated, was seen pointing fingers at Sophie Ecclestone, seemingly asking her to stay out of the matter. Ecclestone, not one to back down, responded with frustration before walking back to her position. The heated exchange prompted intervention from square-leg umpire and UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma.
WPL Issues Official Statement
Following the match, the WPL released a statement confirming the fine imposed on Kaur.
'Harmanpreet Kaur admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.8, which relates to showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during a match. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding," the statement read.