Dhaka: Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shahzad was reprimanded by match officials after he smoked at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Friday.
The 35-year-old received a demerit point as his action breached Article 2.20 of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game”. The demerit point was added to Shahzad’s disciplinary record, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Shahzad was apparently waiting for Minister Group Dhaka’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match against Comilla Victorians to begin. However, the match was called off due to rain.
According to reports, Dhaka coach Mizanur Rahman warned Shahzad not to smoke on the outfield. Moreover, Tamim Iqbal asked him to go inside the dressing room. Shahzad admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Neeyamur Rashid and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.
