SA vs BAN: BCB To File Official Complaint With ICC About Sledging And Umpiring Errors After First Test Defeat To South Africa

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) plans to lodge an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding sledging by the host South Africa during the first Test in Durban. South Africa on Monday defeated Bangladesh by a huge margin of 220 runs in the first Test.

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BCB claims that they had complained about the sledging issue with the on-field umpires but no action was taken on the field.

SA vs BAN: Bangladesh upset with poor umpiring in the first Test

Apart from sledging, umpiring errors came under the spotlight on the fourth day as seven decisions between on-field umpires – Marais Erasmus and Adrian Holdstock – were changed via DRS (Decision Review System).

The umpire errors forced Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud to urge ICC to bring back neutral umpires, something that was amended in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We properly condemn sledging: BCB head of cricket operations

BCB is likely to file a complaint about sledging and umpiring in the first Test. BCB’s head of cricket operations Jalal Yunus said the board had already complained about umpiring howlers after the ODI series and a match official had a rift with their team manager.

“We have already lodged one complaint about the umpiring after the ODI series. The match referee [Andy Pycroft] had an argument with our manager Nafees Iqbal, but then we gave him a written complaint. We will lodge another official complaint about this Test match,” Jalal was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

“Sledging definitely took place from both sides, but when they started it and took it overboard, we complained to the umpires. It wasn’t acceptable. We properly condemn it. We have to accept the umpires’ decisions, but the ICC must reinstate neutral umpires,” he added. 

On Day 5, South Africa’s spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer ran through Bangladesh’s batting order as the visitors were bowled out for 53 in just 19 overs. The second and final Test between South Africa and Bangladesh will start on April 8 in Port Elizabeth.

Also Read: Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After South Africa vs Bangladesh 1st Test