Tamim Iqbal penalised for breach of code of conduct

Tamim Iqbal has faced punishment for breaching the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) code of conduct. Following an incident after the match between Fortune Barishal and Rangpur Riders at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, the captain of Fortune Barishal was found to have violated Article 2.6 of Level 1 of the code. Consequently, Tamim was awarded one demerit point and formally issued a warning.

Match referee Niamur Rashid Ratul confirmed the matter, stating the decision was based on the umpires' reports and relevant evidence. As Tamim accepted the charges and the punishment, a formal hearing was deemed unnecessary. Niamur remarked, "As punishment, we have given him one demerit point and issued a formal warning."

The incident occurred following an intense match between Rangpur and Barishal. As players from both teams were shaking hands while returning to the dressing rooms, the situation suddenly escalated, with Tamim losing his temper. The experienced opener appeared to confront someone, and a Rangpur official intervened to try and calm him down.

Investigations revealed that Tamim had directed his anger towards Rangpur's English batsman, Alex Hales. The confrontation began when Hales made an objectionable facial expression, which Tamim found offensive, leading to the heated exchange. During the handshake, Hales reportedly made the expression at Tamim, prompting him to react. Tamim confronted Hales, saying, "Why are you doing this? If you have something to say, say it to my face. Act like a man."

Hales reportedly replied to Tamim, which further fuelled the situation. Rangpur's captain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, approached for a handshake but was ignored by an infuriated Tamim, who kept advancing towards Hales. Rangpur's team director, Shanian Tanim, stepped in to de-escalate the situation, moving Tamim aside. Meanwhile, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan of Rangpur escorted Hales away.