Following the controversial run-out of Ireland batsman Ed Joyce in the 4th ODI at Belfast, Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
When Joyce smashed one towards the extra-cover boundary, Nabi claimed that he had kept the ball from trickling over the rope and ran out the left-hander with the help of Rashid Khan. However, the former believed that it was a four and did not bother to complete the third run.
An ICC release confirmed, “Photographic evidence later confirmed that Nabi was in contact with the ball whilst outside the boundary when he had flicked the ball for Rashid Khan to help run-out Joyce.”
The incident proved to be game-changing with Ireland losing their way during the chase as the visitors emerged victorious to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Even after the umpires requested skipper Asghar Stanikzai to withdraw the appeal, he did not relent.
For his behavior, Nabi was found to have violated Level 1 Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.”
Alongside reserve umpire Royl Black, the on-field duo of Alan Neill and C Shamshuddin laid out the charges. Since the 31-year old admitted his offense and received the sanction, there was no need of a formal hearing.
Speaking to Belfast Telegraph, Neill reflected, “After speaking to my colleague, I spoke to the fielder and asked him had he prevented the four. He said 'yes'. I then asked 'were you in control of the ball when you were outside the rope?' He said 'no sir'. I went over to my colleague and said 'we have a problem here'.”
“He said 'ask him again', so I repeated the same two questions and got the same two answers. He was adamant he had not touched the ball while he was outside the rope. So, we had to take his word and had to give Ed Joyce out.”
Even though the issue seems to be resolved by the game’s governing body, question marks surrounding the lack of an adequate number of cameras have been raised. Ranked tenth in ODIs, Afghanistan are placed above Test-playing nation Zimbabwe while Ireland find themselves at twelfth.
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