In a dramatic turn of events during the first T20I in Harare between Zimbabwe and Ireland, Sikandar Raza has been slapped with a two-match ban, effectively ruling him out of the remainder of the T20I series against Ireland. Additionally, Raza has been fined 50 percent of his match fee and has accumulated two demerit points, bringing his total to four within a 24-month period.
The altercation involved Ireland’s Josh Little and Curtis Campher, both of whom received one demerit point each and fines amounting to 15 percent of their match fee.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) outlined the charges and the incident in a statement, stating:
- Sikandar Raza was charged with aggressively advancing towards Campher and Josh Little, pointing his bat, and breaking away from the umpire who attempted to defuse the situation.
- Curtis Campher faced a charge of advancing towards Raza, sidestepping one of the on-field umpires who tried to intervene.
- Josh Little was charged with making physical contact with Raza after the latter complained about Little obstructing his path while attempting to make a run.
The ICC clarified that despite Raza contesting the sanction during a formal hearing presided over by match referee Andy Pycroft, the decision was finalized.
It’s worth noting that Sikandar Raza was awarded the Man of the Match in the thrilling last-ball encounter, contributing significantly with a three-wicket haul and a top score of 65.
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