The controversial events and disputed decisions have added fuel to the India-Bangladesh rivalry, making it one of the most talked-about matches in women's cricket.
Last Updated: 12.38 PM, Jul 24, 2023
India Women's tour of Bangladesh concluded on a contentious note, with a series of controversial events unfolding during and after the third ODI in Mirpur. After a thrilling T20I series victory of 2-1 for India Women, they dominated the first ODI, taking a 1-0 lead. However, Bangladesh Women made a strong comeback, securing a win in the second ODI, leading to an intense decider.
The third ODI ended in a tie, adding more drama to the already tense contest. However, the match was marred by umpiring disputes that left both teams and fans frustrated.
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's dismissal raised eyebrows as she expressed her displeasure after being given out. But she wasn't the only one dissatisfied with the umpiring decisions. Yastika Bhatia was left unconvinced after being dismissed leg-before-wicket by Sultana Khatun, while Meghna Singh, batting at No.11, believed she hadn't edged the ball from Marufa Akter when given out caught behind.
The controversial events and disputed decisions have added fuel to the India-Bangladesh rivalry, making it one of the most talked-about matches in women's cricket.
Kaur did not hold back at the post-match presentation: "The type of umpiring that was happening there, we were very surprised. The next time whenever we are coming to Bangladesh, we'll have to make sure we have to deal with this kind of umpiring and accordingly, we’ll have to prepare ourselves."
As per a report by ESPNcricinfo, a heated incident occurred during the end-of-series photograph when Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur made a controversial remark. She reportedly shouted, "Bring the umpires too," implying that the umpires were favouring the Bangladesh team during the series.
In response to Kaur's statement, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty decided to lead her team away from the photograph, showing her discontent with the insinuation.
She did not mince her words either: "It is totally her [Kaur’s] problem. I have nothing to do with it. As a player, she could have shown better manners. I can't tell you what happened, but it didn't feel right to be there with my team. It wasn’t the right environment. That’s why we went back. Cricket is a game of discipline and respect.
"The umpires [Muhammad Kamruzzaman and Tanvir Ahmed] wouldn’t give her out if she wasn’t out … We have respected their decisions. The umpire’s decision is the final decision, whether I like it or not. Why didn’t we behave in that way?”
Section 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct, classifies "public criticism" or "inappropriate comment" about "an incident occurring in an international match" of match officials as a Level 2 offence. Section 2.8 puts "showing dissent at an umpire's decision" as the same.
If charged with a Level 2 offence, Kaur will be either fined 50 to 100 per cent of her match fee and given one demerit point, or given two demerit points.