Hashmatullah Shahidi Reprimanded for Running on the Pitch in Chennai ODI

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi found himself on the wrong side of the rules during the third ODI against India in Chennai.

The 30-year-old was officially reprimanded and handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. The charge came under Article 2.10.10, which deals with a “batter causing deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch.” This was his first offence in the last two years.

The incident took place while Shahidi was batting. He was warned twice unofficially for running on the protected area of the pitch. Then, in the 31st over, the umpires gave him an official warning. But he did it again. In the 40th over, he repeated the offence. This time, the umpires had no choice. Afghanistan were handed a five-run penalty.

Shahidi admitted his mistake. He accepted the punishment proposed by match referee Ranjan Madugalle. A demerit point stays on a player’s record for 24 months. If a player picks up four points, they face a ban. For now, Shahidi has just one.

It was a costly error for Afghanistan. The team lost the match by 48 runs. And Shahidi’s misstep added to the disappointment. For a captain, leading by example is key. This time, the example cost his team.

                                               

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