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Pakistan national cricket team all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has landed in trouble with the ICC at a time when his name has reportedly been discussed for the Test captaincy. The ICC has taken action against Salman Ali Agha for losing his temper on the field during the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
Pakistan was already facing huge criticism after their embarrassing Test series 2-0 defeat against Bangladesh, and now fresh controversy has added more pressure on the team.
ICC takes action against Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha was found guilty of breaching the ICC’s Level 1 Code of Conduct rules during the second and final Test in Sylhet. After reviewing the incident, the ICC reprimanded Salman, and one demerit point was also added to his disciplinary record.
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The incident happened during Pakistan’s second innings after Salman was dismissed by Taijul Islam. While walking back towards the pavilion, the frustrated Pakistani batter hit an advertising board with his bat in anger. Match officials had reported the incident to the ICC.
This was not his first offense either. Earlier this year, he was also punished during an ODI match against Bangladesh in Dhaka for the same breach of conduct. Now, Salman’s total demerit points have now reached two in the last 24 months.
ICC confirms Salman Ali Agha breached Article 2.2 during Sylhet Test
The ICC said in an official media release: “Salman was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”
In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Salman Ali Agha’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the second offense in a 24-month period, taking his cumulative demerit points to two. His earlier offense was also a breach of Article 2.2 during an ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka on 13 March this year.”
Salman accepted his mistake and agreed to the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no formal hearing in the matter. The charge was filed by the on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Allahuddien Palekar, along with third umpire Kumar Dharmasena and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul after the incident.
How demerit points can lead to match bans
Meanwhile, a Level 1 offense can lead to an official warning from the ICC, a fine of up to 50% of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points added to the player’s disciplinary record.
If a player gets four or more demerit points within two years, the ICC can convert those points into suspension points, and the player can face a match ban.
Two suspension points mean the player can be banned for one Test match or two ODI/T20I matches, depending on which matches come first.
These demerit points remain on the player’s record for 24 months. After two years, the points are removed automatically if there are no further offenses.
