Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has received an official reprimand and a single demerit point for repeatedly treading on the protected area during Saturday’s third ODI against India in Chennai.
The ICC confirmed the charge under Article 2.10.10 of its Code of Conduct – “a batter causing deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch”. A brief statement read: “One demerit point has been added to Shahidi’s record as this is his first offence in a 24-month period.” The sanction is the lightest available at Level 1, which ranges from a reprimand to a 50 per cent match-fee fine and up to two demerit points.
Key incident
• Shahidi, who made 102 from 131 balls, was unofficially warned twice for running down the middle of the wicket.
• An official warning followed in the 31st over, yet he repeated the offence in the 40th.
• Umpires Chris Gaffaney and Rohan Pandit immediately disallowed the single taken off that ball and awarded India five penalty runs, meaning Rohit Sharma’s side began their chase on 5 for 0 instead of 0 for 0.
Match referee Ranjan Madugalle said: “The umpires made every effort to remind the player, but the protected area must be respected for the sake of both teams.” Shahidi accepted the charge, so no formal hearing was required.
Impact on the match
India cruised to 219 with nine wickets in hand, sealing the series 3-0. While few observers believe the penalty changed the result, former India opener Wasim Jaffer told host broadcaster Star Sports: “Five runs isn’t massive, but it sends a clear message – look after the pitch or pay for it.”
Shahidi’s response
The Afghan skipper did not attend the post-game press conference, but a team spokesperson said: “Hashmat acknowledges the mistake and respects the umpires’ decision. He remains focused on leading the side positively.”
Context and analysis
Running on the pitch can create uneven bounce and footholes, potentially disadvantaging the side batting second. In most cases a first infringement draws only an unofficial word from the umpires; a second results in a formal warning. A third, as seen here, triggers both a run penalty and a report to the match referee.
Shahidi’s clean disciplinary slate kept the punishment minimal. However, under ICC regulations four demerit points in two years convert to a one-Test or two-limited-overs suspension, so repeat offences could prove costly.
Afghanistan now turn their attention to a tri-series in Sri Lanka next month, while India head into a short break before their tour of South Africa. Both sides will hope for smoother surfaces – and clearer footsteps – next time out.
