Bangladesh U19 bowler Maruf Mridha reprimanded for breaching code of conduct against India

Bangladesh U19 bowler Maruf Mridha has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his on-field antics during the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup 2024 game against India. He was found guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct.

Bangladesh U19 pacer Maruf Mridha was at his exceptional best with the ball in the game against India in Bloemfontein. He oozed his class with the ball but what caught the attention of many was the way he reacted after picking wickets.

Maruf Mridha didn’t go easy on Indian batters at all. He was quite fierce when he removed keeper-batter Aravelly Avanish as he gave him a harsh send-off.  He said something to the batter and it even saw the umpire having a word with the bowler as well as the Bangladeshi captain.

Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Maruf Mridha was reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Hue was found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

The article of the International Cricket Council is related to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.” 

According to the laws, breaching of level 1 code of conduct carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Apart from this, Maruf Mridha has been handed a one demerit point. This point will be added to his disciplinary record. This was his first offense in 24 months. The fast bowler agreed to the sanctions and there was no need for an official hearing.

The sanctions were imposed by Shaid Wadvalla of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Match Referees. On-field umpires Donovan Koch and Nigel Duguid along with third umpire Allahudien Paleker and fourth umpire, Langton Rusere leveled the charge.

Bangladesh U19 bowler Maruf Mridha picks fifer against India

Bangladesh U19 pacer Maruf Mridha was the pick of the bowlers for his team in the game against India. He troubled the opposition batters and made sure that he kept his team ahead in the big game against Men in Blue.

Maruf Mridha picked five wickets and returned with the figures of 5/43. He also bowled one maiden over and helped his team restrict the opposition to a total of 251 runs in 50 overs. But his efforts went in vain as India defended the target and won the game by 84 runs.

The pacer, however, made coach Stuart Law praise him for his heroics. He stated that the fast bowler has developed himself into a wicket-taker. Speaking to the broadcaster after the first innings, he explained:

“Over the last couple of months, he’s really developed into a wicket-taker,” he said. “At first, he was struggling a bit with his pace, but he’s worked closely with the bowling coach and they’ve got him running in hard and he’s now reaping the rewards. He’s very good at the death, well-deserved fifer for him,” he concluded