Nidahas Trophy | Bangladesh Cricket Board terms team behavior as 'unacceptable'

03/18/2018

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has expressed their regret over the team’s behavior during the match against Sri Lanka in the Nidahas Trophy. The board has also added that they have warned players and stressed that they should maintain the spirit of the game and ensure that it never happens again.

The virtual semi-final of the Nidahas Trophy between, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, saw the visitors pull off a terrific two-wicket win. But the match was marred by controversies as Bangladesh players failed to control their nerves in the final stage of the game and crossed the line. Despite winning the game against the hosts and booking their place in the final against India, Shakib Al Hasan and Nurul Hasan were fined 25 percent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each for violating the ICC code of conduct against Sri Lanka.

"The Board accepts that conduct of the Bangladesh Team in certain instances was unacceptable on a cricket field," the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement as quoted by AFP.

"We understand that the events may have transpired due to the importance of the match and the pressure that comes with it but feel that the expected level of professionalism was not exhibited by the team while dealing with a tense situation.

"The Bangladesh Team members have been reminded of their responsibility in upholding the spirit of cricket at all times."

The incident in question occurred in the last over of Bangladesh’s innings when they needed 12 runs in six deliveries. Mustafizur Rahman missed two bouncers from Isuru Udana and the player was run-out while running for a bye. After watching umpire’s decision, Bangladesh’s skipper talked to the fourth umpire, who was standing near the boundary line, but he also refused. Shakib lost his temper and seemed to be calling his players back.

Nurul Hasan also faced the fine for his finger-wagging act at Thisara Perera before things settled down and play started again.