ESPNcricinfo has learned that the match referee Akhtar Ahmad recommended three demerit points for equipment damage and one demerit point for criticising the match officials in public. The final decision will be taken by the ICC. It is understood that the BCCI has been talking to the ICC.
As per the ICC rules, when a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, or two ODIs, or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.
The last time Harmanpreet got a demerit point was during the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup 2017 against Australia. After working legspinner Kristen Beams through midwicket, she was involved in a mix-up with Deepti Sharma, before they completed the double that brought Harmanpreet’s century. Instead of celebrating the milestone, Harmanpreet flung her helmet onto the ground and fired verbal volleys at Deepti. Harmanpreet was found guilty of a Level 1 offence, which she had accepted.
Players breaking the stumps – either with the bat or kicking – while reacting to umpiring decisions is a rare occurrence in cricket. Coincidentally, the most recent case also happened in Bangladesh. In 2021, Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan was suspended for three matches and fined USD 5800 approx during a Dhaka Premier League T20 match between Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club.
Shakib, who was leading Mohammedan, kicked the stumps immediately after umpire Imran Parvez turned down his lbw appeal against Mushfiqur Rahim. An over later, he ripped up all three stumps and threw them on the ground after umpire Mahfuzur Rahman called for the covers as it started to rain.