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The Indian women’s cricket team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur recently found herself under the scanner for her deplorable actions during the third ODI against Bangladesh. Her unruly conduct not only drew immense criticism from cricket enthusiasts and experts but was also handed a suspension by ICC for breaching the Code of conduct.
The harsh call by the ICC was taken after Harmanpreet recklessly shattered the stumps in frustration after being given out LBW by the umpire and then expressed her dissent towards the match officials during the post-match presentation ceremony. She was even reported to have asked the umpires to join the series-end photoshoot, inferring them being part of the Bangladesh team.
The alleged shameful act by Harmanpreet further added fuel to the fire and was widely condemned by many veteran cricketers. Former India captain and Harmanpreet’s old teammate, Mithali Raj, also did not hold back in expressing her disappointment and disapproval of the current India skipper’s antics.
Mithali lambasts Harmanpreet
Mithali condemned her former teammate’s behaviour, calling it as “disgraceful and atrocious” in a scathing column for Hindustan Times. She emphasized that teams should show respect to their opposition.
“A team is expected to show respect to the opposition, especially in this particular series where one must give credit to Bangladesh for how they played and fought hard. This is good for the sport, for women’s cricket. If it is true what is being reported in the media in respect to Harman’s behaviour towards the opposition captain during the photo session with the trophy, it is simply disgraceful and atrocious,” wrote Mithali.
“Harmanpreet is a good player and is a role model for a lot of kids. One has to conduct themselves in a dignified manner on and off the field as responsible cricketers. Earlier, women’s cricket did not have much coverage, or presence on the social media; now everything is in the public domain and all actions are emulated by aspiring kids who want to take up the sport. It is okay to be aggressive and show emotions to a point, but one shouldn’t forget the game is above individuals. While Harman’s anguish is understandable, her behaviour shouldn’t be condoned. Also, what happens in the match should be left there,” she added.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
