New Delhi: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has been reprimanded by the ICC for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.The left-handed batsman was found guilty of breaching Article 2.10.10 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with tackles that cause deliberate damage or avoidance of the pitch.In an official statement, the ICC confirmed that one demerit point had been added to Shahidi’s disciplinary record, his first offense in 24 months.Shahidi pleaded guilty and accepted a ruling by ICC Elite Panel match referee Ranjan Madugalle that waived the need for a formal hearing. The case was filed by cricketers Chris Gaffaney and Rohan Pandit, as well as third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Virender Sharma.The Afghanistan skipper had already been warned twice for running on the field while batting. A formal warning followed in Afghanistan’s 31st over. However, Shahidi again ran down the ground in the 40th over, prompting the umpires to award Afghanistan’s fifth penalty.According to ICC rules, a Level 1 violation carries the minimum penalty and can attract a maximum fine of 50 percent of the player’s fine along with one or two points.
Century goes in vain as India complete a 3-0 sweep
Despite the penalty reversal, Shahidi brought out the war years in the selection list. He scored 102, his maiden ODI hundred, but Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs.Prasidh Krishna starred for India, taking five wickets with figures of 5-23. His first burst disrupted the Afghan top order and put the visitors on the ground.India’s response was medical. Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 110 off 86 runs while Rohit Sharma contributed 79, as the hosts won by nine wickets with 128 balls to spare. The opening duo added 170 runs, including five wickets for Afghanistan.The win completed a 3-0 sweep and gave India their first ODI win under captain Shubman Gill.
Shahidi admitted that Afghanistan had failed
Reflecting on the defeat, Shahidi admitted that his side was below his best and admitted that playing in India remains a big challenge.“I think we were not qualified. We have talented guys, but playing in India in India is difficult. We will learn from this and improve moving forward,” said Shahidi.He added that Afghanistan had been away from ODI cricket for eight months before the match and insisted that the team is looking to bounce back in its upcoming match against Ireland by preparing for a fresh training session.
