World Cup 2023: Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct during England match

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct a couple of days after his team's epic victory over England in the 2023 World Cup. World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table Gurbaz had been found guilty by the ICC for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during his team’s meeting with England at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper-batter had slammed his bat on the boundary rope and on a chair after he was run-out on 80 during the 19th over of the Afghanistan innings.

The 21-year-old was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.” Gurbaz, though, admitted to the offence and accepted the penalty awarded by Match Referee Jeff Crowe, with a demerit point getting added to his disciplinary record — his first in a 24-month period. Gurbaz helped get Afghanistan off to a flier against defending champions England, smashing eight fours and four sixes during his 57-ball 80 and stitching a 114-run opening stand with Ibrahim Zadran. He was however, run out at the striker’s end after responding to a call for a risky single from skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, and was absolutely furious at having missed out on what could have been his sixth ODI ton. Read | Gurbaz, spinners script an upset for the ages for Afghans Afghanistan, though, recovered from a wobble in the middle overs to post a competitive 284 on the board, with wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Akhilil’s knock of 58 helping them get close to the 300-mark. Spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman then led the way for the Afghan attack as England, who lost wickets from the outset of their chase, were bowled out for 215 in reply, resulting in Afghanistan registering only their second win in the ICC World Cup since their debut in 2015.