Harmanpreet Kaur's actions during the last ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday in Mirpur continue to draw criticism from cricketing legends.
The Indian skipper expressed her disagreement over the on-field umpire's decision by smashing the wickets with her bat and engaging in a heated argument with them. Later, she publicly denounced the quality of umpiring by calling it ‘pathetic' and then mocked the officials and her counterpart, Nigar Sultana, while sharing the trophy.
Former cricketers like Madan Lal and Anjum Chopra have reacted to the incident, and now, former India captain Diana Edulji is the latest one to join the bandwagon. In her column for The Indian Express, Edulji stated that Harmanpreet has set poor examples for her teammates with her behaviour.
Diana Edulji lashes out at Harmanpreet Kaur for her behaviour
“Cricketers reacting to a bad umpiring decision, though not ideal, is nothing new. To a certain extent, one can be pardoned since when you get out in a crunch match, sometimes it is difficult to control the emotions. Harmanpreet isn't the first cricketer to show dissent, and the ICC rightly imposed sanctions on her. I understand wrong decisions were made. We have seen wrong decisions in the past too, not only in women's cricket but in men's cricket too,” Edulji wrote.
“However, what happened post-game was not needed, all the more because Harmanpreet is the Indian captain. She has set a bad example for her teammates. I say that because juniors look up to seniors, and this, over a period of time, can impact the team culture. This makes Harmanpreet's behavior all the more unacceptable,” she added.
Edulji further mentioned that Harmanpreet crossed the limit that day. The latter's gesture to call umpires for a photoshoot, suggesting that they too were part of the host team, was ‘deplorable'.
“It was deplorable to see Harmanpreet call the umpires to pose with the Bangladesh team, suggesting that they were part of the team and playing for them. I am aware that Harmanpreet Kaur has set a bad example is hot-tempered, and maybe her ugly conduct was because she wasn't able to score runs. But she crossed the limit that day as she continued to protest during the presentation ceremony,” said Edulji.
In the aftermath of this incident, Harmanpreet Kaur has set a bad example faces the possibility of a two-match ban, which might result in her missing crucial matches in the Asian Games 2023. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed sanctions on her, reflecting the seriousness of her behaviour.
It is essential to remember that cricket, like any sport, relies heavily on the principles of sportsmanship and fair play. While moments of frustration and disappointment are part of the game, it is crucial for players, especially leaders like Kaur, to maintain decorum and respect for the sport, its officials, and fellow players.
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The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role and responsibility of captains in maintaining team discipline and fostering a positive team culture. Leaders in any field carry the burden of influencing those around them, and cricket is no exception.
As the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the final decision on the consequences Kaur will face, there is a broader lesson to be learned. Athletes, especially those in leadership positions, need to exemplify the values of sportsmanship and inspire the next generation of players. Conduct like Kaur's not only tarnishes a player's individual reputation but can also leave a lasting impact on the team dynamics.
As a role model and captain of the Indian women's cricket team, Kaur must reflect on her actions and understand the responsibility that comes with leading the team. Cricket is not just a sport; it is a representation of values and camaraderie, and players must strive to uphold the dignity and spirit of the game both on and off the field.