Jungle Jumbo
International Vice-Captain
In the current Pakistan v England Test at Faisalabad, most people will know that Shahid Afridi was caught scuffing up the pitch and was subsequently suspended for one Test and two ODIs. These laws have been around for a long time, and, have been applied almost as severely as possible. But in this circumstance, Pakistan have gained an advantage that applies to the current test, and no matter how long Afridi is banned for, the damage in the current game may affect the outcome of the entire series. If Pakistan were to win this test, due to Kaneria and Afridi getting exaggerated turn out of the damaged pitch, then will Pakistan mind if Afridi cannot play in the final Test, since the series may be already decided?
Pakistan must be punished in the current test, so I propose 'sendings off', as seen in virtually all other team sports. At the end of the second day, the match referee (Mahanama) could have suspended Afridi for two ODIs and one Test, and removed him from the current game. Pakistan would have been reduced to 10 batsmen and fielders, and would then be at a great disadvantage due to the poor conduct of one of their players. This would both punish the team in the wrong, and dissuade players from acting as Afridi did. Maybe a crime as bad as Afridi's could be an automatic 'red card', while lesser offences (excessive appealing, gesturing when give out), could be 'yellow card' offences, which could cumulate throughout a match/series/players career.
Your Thoughts?
Pakistan must be punished in the current test, so I propose 'sendings off', as seen in virtually all other team sports. At the end of the second day, the match referee (Mahanama) could have suspended Afridi for two ODIs and one Test, and removed him from the current game. Pakistan would have been reduced to 10 batsmen and fielders, and would then be at a great disadvantage due to the poor conduct of one of their players. This would both punish the team in the wrong, and dissuade players from acting as Afridi did. Maybe a crime as bad as Afridi's could be an automatic 'red card', while lesser offences (excessive appealing, gesturing when give out), could be 'yellow card' offences, which could cumulate throughout a match/series/players career.
Your Thoughts?