Mohammed Siraj Fined 15% of Match Fee Over Aggressive Send-off to Ben Duckett
The ongoing Test match between India and England at Lord’s has witnessed a series of intense moments, and the fourth day was no exception. India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj found himself in trouble after an aggressive send-off to England’s Ben Duckett, which has resulted in a fine and a demerit point being added to his disciplinary record.
Siraj’s actions came during England’s second innings, when he dismissed Duckett for 0. In a moment that will be remembered for a while, Siraj shoulder-barged Duckett, who was leaving the field after being dismissed, and celebrated the wicket in his face. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the two players, with Siraj’s teammates rushing to his defense.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken notice of the incident and has imposed a fine on Siraj, equivalent to 15% of his match fee. This is the second demerit point added to Siraj’s record, which means he is now one step away from facing a suspension.
The ICC’s decision is in line with the Code of Conduct for Player and Player Support Personnel, which states that a player can be fined up to 50% of their match fee for a level 1 offense. The code also outlines the consequences of accumulating demerit points, including suspensions for repeat offenders.
Siraj’s actions have been widely criticized, with many questioning the need for such behavior on the field. Cricket is a game of skill and strategy, and while passion and aggression can be important qualities for a fast bowler, there is no place for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the need for stricter rules and punishments for on-field behavior. In recent years, there have been several instances of players being fined or suspended for similar offenses, and some have argued that the current system is not doing enough to curb such behavior.
However, others have defended Siraj’s actions, citing the intense nature of the game and the pressure that players are under to perform. They argue that while Siraj’s behavior was unacceptable, it was also understandable given the circumstances.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that Siraj’s actions have set a bad example and have damaged the reputation of Indian cricket. The Indian team has a rich history of producing talented and disciplined players, and Siraj’s behavior has fallen short of the standards expected of an Indian cricketer.
The incident has also put the Indian team’s coach, Ravi Shastri, under pressure to address the issue. Shastri has been vocal about his team’s discipline and sportsmanship, and will be expected to take a strong stance against Siraj’s behavior.
In a statement, the ICC said: “Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fees for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the ongoing Lord’s Test. The incident occurred during England’s second innings when Siraj shoulder-barged Ben Duckett and celebrated the wicket in his face. One demerit point has also been added to Siraj’s disciplinary record.”
The incident serves as a reminder that, despite the passion and intensity of the game, cricket is a sport that requires discipline and respect for one’s opponents. Players must always be mindful of their behavior on the field and strive to maintain a high level of sportsmanship at all times.
In conclusion, Mohammed Siraj’s aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett has resulted in a fine and a demerit point being added to his disciplinary record. While the incident has sparked a debate about the need for stricter rules and punishments, it is clear that Siraj’s behavior was unacceptable and has damaged the reputation of Indian cricket.
Source:
https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/india-bowler-fined-after-lord-s-incident-on-day-4
