Thaker Loses His Temper After LBW Appeal Is Rejected; Waves His Arms, Shakes His Head and Signals to Coaching Staff That He Believed the Batter Was Out
Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
Canadian all-rounder Harsh Thaker has been punished for showing dissent over an umpire’s decision during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Scotland. The ICC has fined Thaker 30% of his match fee for breaching the Code of Conduct and has also added two demerit points to his disciplinary record.
According to an ICC media release, the incident occurred during the final delivery of the 26th over, when an LBW appeal off Thaker’s bowling was turned down. Unhappy with the umpire’s decision, Thaker immediately showed his frustration by waving his arms and shaking his head.
But the incident did not end there. After the umpire returned his cap, Thaker gestured toward the Canadian coaching staff outside the field, making it clear through his actions that he believed the batter was out.
According to the ICC, Thaker breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to showing dissent at an
Thaker admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the ICC, meaning that no formal hearing was required.
The sanction was proposed by Graham McCrea, a member of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.
In this case, the charges were brought by on-field umpires Ghazi Soheil and Ain McDonald, along with reserve umpire David McLean.
According to the ICC, this is Harsh Thaker’s first offence in the past 24 months.
A Level 1 offence can result in anything from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
Under the ICC’s disciplinary system, if a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points can be converted into suspension points, potentially resulting in a ban.
Two suspension points are equivalent to a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20 Internationals, whichever comes first.
Demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months, after which they expire.
For Harsh Thaker, the incident serves as an important disciplinary warning. With a 30% match-fee fine and two demerit points now added to his record, any further offence could put him in a more difficult position.
