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Cricket, often celebrated as a gentleman’s game, has occasionally been marred by fiery tempers and acts of misconduct. While passion and intensity are part of the game, crossing the line has led to severe repercussions for some players. Here are five notable instances of cricketers being penalized for their actions on the field:
1. Gautam Gambhir Elbows Shane Watson (2008)
India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, was banned for one Test after a heated exchange with Shane Watson during the third Test against Australia in 2008. Gambhir elbowed Watson in the chest while taking a run. Although deemed a level two offense by the ICC, the penalty was reduced as the contact was minor and provoked. Watson was fined 10% of his match fee for inappropriate verbal conduct.
2. Kagiso Rabada Shoulder Bumps Steve Smith (2018)
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada faced a two-Test ban in 2018 after a shoulder bump on Australian captain Steve Smith during a Test match. The incident occurred during Rabada’s follow-through after dismissing Smith lbw, leading to a level two breach of the ICC’s code of conduct. Rabada’s ban was later overturned on appeal, allowing him to continue playing the series.
3. Sarfaraz Ahmed Racially Abuses Andile Phehlukwayo (2019)
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was handed a four-match suspension for making racially charged comments toward South African player Andile Phehlukwayo during an ODI in 2019. The remarks were picked up by the stump mic, leading to a violation of the ICC’s anti-racism code. Sarfaraz issued a public apology and personally reconciled with Phehlukwayo following the incident.
4. Shakib Al Hasan Shows Aggressive Dissent (2021)
Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan faced a three-match suspension and a USD 5,800 fine during the 2021 Dhaka Premier League. Shakib displayed aggressive dissent after an lbw appeal was turned down, uprooting the stumps in frustration. Later, during a rain delay, he again threw down the stumps. Shakib apologized publicly on social media for his behavior.
5. Virat Kohli Shoulder Bumps Sam Konstas (2024)
India’s talismanic batter Virat Kohli faced scrutiny during the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG for an intentional shoulder bump with Australian prodigy Sam Konstas. Following a verbal spat, the ICC fined Kohli 20% of his match fee for breaching the code of conduct. While speculations suggested he might miss the next Test, Kohli was allowed to continue playing, with the penalty limited to a monetary fine.
While such incidents remind us that even elite athletes can let emotions take over, they also emphasize the importance of maintaining the spirit of the game.
