Could 'Antics' Cost Afghanistan Heavily? ICC Regulations Could Impact Key Player, Know How

Afghanistan's bowlers secured a historic victory for the team with outstanding performances. Following this win, Afghanistan is receiving congratulations from all sides. However, a key Afghanistan player's actions during this match have sparked controversy and could potentially harm Afghanistan's chances in the semi-finals.

Intermittent rain interrupted the Afghanistan versus Bangladesh match. Play paused when it rained and resumed afterward. Afghanistan's bowler Noor Ahmed had bowled three balls of the 12th over when the rain started. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's coach Jonathan Trott signaled the players about the rain.

His gesture clearly indicated a need to slow down the game because Afghanistan was ahead of Bangladesh according to the Duckworth-Lewis rule at that moment. If rain had interrupted the match, Afghanistan would have emerged victorious. Immediately after this signal, Gulbadin Naib, Afghanistan's star player, collapsed on the ground clutching his lower leg, visibly suffering from severe pain. He was subsequently escorted off the field by support staff. Najibullah Zadran then replaced him on the field.

Just after Gulbadin Naib exited due to rain, the match was halted, resulting in one over being reduced. Bangladesh was then set a target of 114 runs to win in 19 overs. When the 13th over began, Gulbadin Naib returned to the field. He bowled the 15th and 17th overs, conceding 7 runs and dismissing Taskin Ahmed. This significantly eased Afghanistan's path to victory.

Afghanistan Secured A Spot In Semi-Finals

Afghanistan may have secured a spot in the semi-finals with this win, but Gulbadin Naib's actions could prove costly. In cricket, any delay during batting or bowling is considered a punishable offense. If ICC reviews this incident and finds Gulbadin Naib guilty, strict action could be taken against him. According to ICC rules, if a fielder delays play, the umpire can penalize the bowler or captain during the match. The penalty includes awarding an additional 5 runs to the batting team and declaring the ball dead. After the match, the umpire will investigate the incident. If wrongdoing is confirmed based on the investigation, action can be taken against the bowler, team, or captain.

Also Read: ‘Emmy Or Oscar?’ Gulbadin Naib’s Alleged Time-Wasting Injury In AFG Vs BAN Sparks Debate