The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that Towhid Hridoy has been handed a four-match suspension, effective immediately, from the ongoing Bashundhara Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2024-25. In addition to the ban, Hridoy has been fined Taka 10,000, which is approximately 7,000 Indian Rupees, for breaching the BCB’s Code of Conduct. The incident occurred while he was captaining Mohammedan Sporting Club during a match against Gazi Group Cricketers.
The match, held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday, April 26, turned controversial when Hridoy expressed strong dissent against one of the umpire’s decisions. On-field umpires Moniruzzaman Tinku and Ali Arman Rajon, along with third umpire Muhammad Kamruzzaman and fourth official ATM Ikram, formally charged him for his actions. According to BCB’s statement, his conduct during the game clearly violated the expected standards of behavior on the field.
The board stated that after thorough consideration, it found Towhid Hridoy guilty of breaching the code of conduct meant for players and support staff. This marks a significant disciplinary action in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket season, as the BCB moves to reinforce professionalism and discipline among players.
Towhid Hridoy Handed Four-Game Ban – A Major Blow Amid Rising Disciplinary Concerns
This was not the first time Towhid Hridoy faced disciplinary scrutiny. Earlier, he was handed a one-match suspension for a similar violation but chose to contest the penalty. Not only did he deny the earlier charge, but during the April 26 match, he once again showed visible disagreement with the umpire’s decision, refusing to leave the crease after being dismissed. Such actions prompted further disciplinary proceedings.
“Mr. Hridoy denied the charge and opted to contest it at a full disciplinary hearing. However, despite prior communication, he failed to appear at the hearing scheduled in the umpires’ dressing room,” the BCB stated in an official release. The board emphasized that his absence from the disciplinary hearing weakened his case and led to the confirmation of sanctions without his testimony.
The BCB revealed that this latest violation added another demerit point to Hridoy’s record. Previously, he had accumulated seven demerit points from various breaches. With the addition of this latest point, his total now stands at eight. Under BCB regulations, reaching eight demerit points triggers an automatic four-match ban, leaving him sidelined for a significant stretch of the league.
Match Referee Akhtar Ahmad, acting under Article 5.2.6 of the BCB Code of Conduct, processed the disciplinary matter. He imposed a fine of Taka 10,000 and awarded an additional demerit point for the recent offence. The BCB noted that the specific breach committed by Hridoy falls under a Level 1 offence, described in Article 2.8 as “Showing Dissent at an Umpire’s Decision during a Match.” According to the Code, Level 1 offences may attract penalties ranging from a simple warning to fines up to Taka 40,000 and/or the allocation of one or two demerit points.
The Board reiterated that maintaining discipline on the field is crucial, especially for senior players like Hridoy who are expected to set an example for younger teammates. His absence will also be a blow to Mohammedan Sporting Club as they lose a key player and captain during a critical phase of the league.
With this four-match ban now in effect, Hridoy faces a critical period of reflection. Meanwhile, the BCB hopes the stern action will serve as a reminder to all players about the importance of upholding the spirit of the game.
Also Read:
