In a significant move that has sent ripples through the cricketing community, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has imposed a four-match ban on Towhid Hridoy, effective immediately. The 24-year-old star batter, who has been a key player for the Mohammedan Sporting Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL), was found guilty of breaching the BCB's code of conduct during a match against the Gazi Group Cricketers on April 26, 2025.
The incident that led to this severe penalty occurred at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, where Hridoy showed dissent towards an umpire's decision after being dismissed. He lingered at the crease for an extended period, refusing to leave after being caught out, a behavior that caught the attention of the on-field umpires, Moniruzzaman Tinku and Ali Arman Rajon, as well as the third umpire Muhammad Kamruzzaman and fourth official ATM Ikram.
This is not the first time Hridoy has faced disciplinary action; he previously received a one-match ban that was deferred following objections from other players. However, this latest breach has resulted in a more stringent sanction. The BCB’s decision was formalized in a statement, which noted that Hridoy denied the charge and opted to contest it at a full disciplinary hearing. Unfortunately for him, he failed to appear at the scheduled hearing in the umpires' dressing room.
According to the BCB's guidelines, specifically Clause 5.2.6 of the Code of Conduct for the DPDCL 2024-25, Match Referee Akhtar Ahmad reviewed the case and imposed the four-match suspension along with a fine of Taka 10,000 (approximately seven thousand Indian Rupees). This penalty also includes the addition of one demerit point to Hridoy's record.
Hridoy was found guilty of committing a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the BCB Code of Conduct, which addresses “Showing Dissent at an Umpire's Decision during a Match.” Level 1 offences can attract sanctions ranging from a mere warning to a maximum penalty of Taka 40,000 and/or the accumulation of one or two demerit points.
This latest demerit point brings Hridoy's total to eight, with seven of those accumulated from previous breaches. As a result of his ongoing disciplinary issues, he will now serve a four-match suspension, effective immediately.
The implications of this ban are significant for both Hridoy and the Mohammedan Sporting Club as they navigate the remainder of the DPDCL. Hridoy, a prominent figure in Bangladesh's cricketing landscape, having played 77 white-ball matches for the national team, will be sorely missed on the field during this crucial stretch of the league.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts in Hridoy's absence and whether this incident will prompt broader discussions about player conduct and the enforcement of disciplinary measures within the league. The BCB's firm stance on maintaining the integrity of the game is clear, and it remains to be seen how this will affect Hridoy's future in the sport.
As the cricketing world reflects on this development, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respect for officials and the rules of the game. The BCB's actions underscore a commitment to upholding the standards expected of players, particularly those in leadership roles.
