In a contentious moment during the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20 World Cup match, Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib, fielding in the slip cordon, went down, apparently due to cramps, in the 12th over bowled by spinner Noor Ahmad. This incident occurred after coach Jonathan Trott was caught on camera advising his players to slow down the game, as Bangladesh was trailing the Duckworth-Lewis par score in the rain-affected Super 8 encounter.
The match was frequently interrupted by rain, and at that juncture, Bangladesh was struggling at 81 for 7, two runs behind the DLS par score, in a revised chase of 114 runs in 19 overs. Ultimately, Afghanistan secured an eight-run victory, marking their first-ever entry into a World Cup semifinal.
“The coach sends a message to slow things down, and then the first slip suddenly drops to the ground for no apparent reason. That’s unacceptable. I understand it might have been due to rain, but still,” commented Simon Doull.
Zimbabwean commentator Pommie Mbangwa humorously added: “Oscar, Emmy?”.
Naib was treated on the field and subsequently escorted off by teammate Naveen-ul-Haq and a member of the support staff as rain intensified, prompting players to seek shelter.
Reflecting on the incident later, Naib posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Kabi khushi kabi gham main huta hai (It happens sometimes when you are happy or when you are sad). Hamstring,” accompanied by laughing emojis.
Potential Penalties for Faking Injury
If Naib’s actions were found to be a deliberate attempt at time-wasting, he could face penalties under the ICC’s Code of Conduct. Time-wasting is classified as a level 1 or 2 offense according to Article 2.10.7. The maximum penalty for a Level 1 offense includes a fine of up to 100% of the match fee and two suspension points. Accumulating four suspension points within a year could result in a ban for one Test match or two ODIs or T20Is.
Article 41.9 of the ICC’s playing conditions for T20Is also stipulates that time-wasting by a bowler or fielder could result in a five-run penalty imposed by the umpire. However, no such penalty was given in the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh match.
Further investigation into deliberate time-wasting can be pursued if the umpires suspect intentional or repetitive actions. According to ICC regulations, “If the umpires believe that the act of time wasting was deliberate or repetitive, they may lodge a report under the ICC Code of Conduct. In such circumstances, the captain and/or any individual members of the fielding team responsible for the time wasting will be charged.”
As of now, there has been no indication that match officials or the ICC are initiating an investigation against Naib. Additionally, Naib’s claim of injury complicates the situation, making it challenging to prove that his actions were a deliberate attempt to waste time.
