Rahmanullah Gurbaz faces official reprimand for breaching Cricket Governing Body rules

Afghanistan had a famous 69-run win over the defending champions England in the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitely Stadium, New Delhi. Hashmashmatullah Shahidi's side performed superbly on October 15 Sunday in the capital city. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was one of the stars for the Afghans as the batter played a blistering knock of 80 runs off 57 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes. He has been in great touch in the ongoing marquee tournament.  

Gurbaz has been found guilty of breaching the rule of Article 2.2 of the Cricket Governing Body, Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. He has admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe who was the Match Referee and there was no need for a formal hearing required for him. 

One negative point has been added to Gurbaz's disciplinary record. This was the first offence in around 2 years. The incident happened in the 19th over of Afghanistan's innings. After his dismissal, the wicketkeeper batter hit the boundary rope with his bat and a chair too. 

Is Gurbaz to be banned from one match?

Article 2.2 of the Cricket Governing Body relates to, "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match." On-field umpires Rod Tucker and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Paul Reiffel, and fourth umpire Paul Wilson have admitted to the charges applied for the batter.  

The 21-year-old batter will be charged a minimum penalty for breaching Level 1 and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee and one or two demerit points. The implications of these demerit points are considerable. When a player collects four or more demerit points in a 24-month period, they are turned into suspension points, which may result in a ban from international competition. 

Afghanistan will next face New Zealand in their next match, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The Kiwis will miss the service of their regular skipper Kane Williamson as he has a fractured thumb during a game against Bangladesh. In a pitch like Chennai, the Afghan spinners will have a nice fight against the Black Caps.