In a dramatic moment during Sunday’s Women’s World Cup match between Pakistan and India at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, Pakistan’s star batter Sidra Amin received a formal reprimand and a demerit point from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The incident occurred after Amin, who had valiantly scored 81 runs in Pakistan’s chase of India’s 247, was dismissed. In a display of frustration, she struck her bat against the pitch, an act deemed a breach of the Code of Conduct. Despite her strong individual performance, Pakistan ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 159, leading to an 88-run defeat.
The violation took place in the 40th over when Sneh Rana claimed Amin’s wicket. The ICC’s media release clarified, "Sidra was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.’"
This marks Amin’s first offense within a 24-month period, resulting in one demerit point being added to her disciplinary record. She promptly accepted the charges, negating the need for a formal hearing.
The charges were officially brought forth by on-field umpires Lauren Agenbag and Nimali Perera, with support from third umpire Kerrin Klaaste and fourth umpire Kim Cotton. The ICC further explained that "Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points."
An image captures Sidra Amin of Pakistan during the India-Pakistan ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match. A video discussing whether the India-Pakistan rivalry is still as intense, titled ‘Not a Rivalry Anymore? India Destroys Pakistan in Colombo | Women’s WC,’ is also available for viewing.