India captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s actions and post-match gestures during the ODI series against Bangladesh have overshadowed the latter’s remarkable performance that led to a 1-1 series draw. In the series decider, Bangladesh staged a stunning turnaround, managing to draw the match and subsequently clinching the series after winning the rain-hit opener.
However, all attention shifted to Harmanpreet, who not only expressed her dissatisfaction with some umpiring decisions but also mocked the Bangladesh team, leading them to boycott the joint photograph session. India legend Madan Lal has called for strict action from the BCCI, condemning Harmanpreet’s “pathetic behavior.”
ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan Reveals Virat Kohli’s Backing For Batting At Number 4
Harmanpreet visibly expressed her disappointment with the umpiring standard during the third match, reacting with frustration after her dismissal by smashing the stumps with her bat. Additionally, there were two other contentious calls that went against India batters.
In the post-match chat, the 34-year-old captain criticized the umpires before disrespecting the Bangladesh players during the trophy photo session. In a viral video, Harmanpreet can be seen calling the umpires to join the photograph, implying that they were part of the Bangladesh team. Feeling insulted by this act, Nigar Sultan, the Bangladesh skipper, instructed her players to walk away from the session.
WATCH – Sunil Gavaskar Receives Special Felicitation At Queen’s Park Cricket Club
India’s 1983 World Cup-winning player, Madan Lal, took to Twitter to lambast Harmanpreet for her behavior and demanded strict action from the BCCI. He stated, “Harmanpreet’s behavior against the Bangladesh women’s team was pathetic. She is not bigger than the game. She got a very bad name for Indian cricket. BCCI should take very strict disciplinary action.”
Harmanpreet’s behaviour against the Bangladesh women’s team was pathetic. She is not bigger than the game. She got a very bad name for Indian cricket. BCCI should take very strict disciplinary action.
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) July 23, 2023
Nigar Sultan also criticized Harmanpreet’s behavior, stating that it was entirely the Indian captain’s problem and that she could have shown better manners as a player. She further expressed that the environment during the photograph session was not right, leading her team to walk away, emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect in cricket.
The BCCI and ICC are yet to release official statements on the incident. However, reports suggest that Harmanpreet is likely to face a fine of 75 per cent of her match fees and receive demerit points as well. The incident has sparked controversy and has become a topic of discussion in the cricketing community.
