Cricket, Protest and Conduct: How Should Criticism Be Expressed?

By Maksuda Lisa, Dhaka

Cricket is a game of rivalry, emotion and excitement. There will be celebrations from players after taking a wicket. There will also be reactions in moments of pressure. But when that emotion is expressed through behaviour that may put the opponent in a disrespectful or provocative situation, the matter is no longer limited to emotions on the field. In international cricket, players’ conduct also falls under specific guidelines and codes of conduct.

Two incidents from the recent Women’s Asia Cup have brought the issue into focus again. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana and Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty faced sanctions for different reasons. The two incidents raise an important question at the same time—how can criticism, accountability and emotion be expressed without turning them into personal insults?

In the match against India, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana made a gesture towards the pavilion after dismissing India’s Shafali Verma in the second over. An over is a set of six legal deliveries. The International Cricket Council (ICC) considered her behaviour a violation of the Code of Conduct. Fatima was fined 10 percent of her match fee and given one demerit point. She admitted the offence and accepted the sanction. As a captain, her behaviour can also have an impact on teammates, opponents, spectators and young cricketers.

Therefore, the responsibility of leadership is not limited to determining tactics on the field. Controlling emotions and respecting the opponent are also part of professional leadership.

The incident involving Bangladesh’s Nigar Sultana Joty was different. In the match against Sri Lanka, after taking into account the permitted time allowance, Bangladesh completed one over fewer than required within the allotted time. Under the laws of international cricket, there are provisions for sanctions for a slow over-rate.

Nigar admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, and faced a five percent fine. An important distinction here is that the five percent fine was not imposed on every Bangladeshi player. The matter was related to the team’s slow over-rate and Nigar’s acceptance of the sanction as captain. This distinction shows how important accuracy in facts and choice of words are in presenting the correct meaning of an incident.

The two incidents show that discipline in international cricket is not only related to major offences. A gesture or failing to complete the required overs within the allotted time can also bring professional consequences. Following the rules, respecting the opponent, being responsible with time and controlling emotions are also part of the conduct of a professional player.

However, criticising someone and insulting someone are not the same thing. Fatima’s gesture can be described as inappropriate or inconsistent with the behaviour expected in international cricket. Similarly, questions can be raised about time management and discipline regarding Bangladesh’s slow over-rate. But insulting a player, attacking their character or using derogatory language cannot be considered part of necessary criticism.

This is where the importance of nonviolent journalism comes in. It is possible to strongly criticise a behaviour or decision without attacking the individual. When the context of the incident, verified information and the relevant decision are brought forward, criticism becomes more credible. On social media as well, instead of reacting immediately after seeing a short video or photograph, it is necessary to verify the full incident and the decision concerned.

Rivalry does not mean personal hostility. Differences of opinion do not necessarily have to become a cause of conflict. It is possible to accept and express different perspectives with respect. A mistake can be called a mistake, and inappropriate behaviour can also be questioned. However, criticism made with respect for facts, context and human dignity is more effective than personal attacks. This is where the strength of nonviolent journalism lies—to question a person’s actions or decisions without attacking the person and to create an opportunity for responsible discussion without pushing differing opinions towards conflict.

Maksuda Lisa
Senior Journalist
Dhaka, Bangladesh

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