Bangladesh Face Possibility Of Severe ICC Punishment, Could Lose Crucial WTC Points. Here's Why

Bangladesh face the threat of facing a severe punishment from the International Cricket Council (ICC) that could lead to them losing crucial WTC 2023-25 points. Here's why.

Bangladesh are up against India in the first IND vs BAN Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh almost stunned India as the young Bangladeshi pacer Hasan Mahmud delivered early blows to the Indian batting lineup on Day 1 of the Chepauk Test. However, Bangladesh’s happiness was short-lived as India’s Ravichanndran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja rescued India with an unbeaten 195-run partnership. To add to Bangladesh’s concerns, they now face the possibility of a severe punishment from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

On Day 1 of the IND vs BAN Test, Bangladesh fell 10 overs short of their 90-over target, even after utilising the extra half-hour, putting them at serious risk of losing vital World Test Championship (WTC) points in the ongoing 2023-25 cycle.

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Notably, this isn't the first time they've faced such a penalty, as Bangladesh were previously docked three WTC points for being three overs short during the first Test against Pakistan last month.

"A team will have one (1) World Test Championship competition point deducted from its points total for each Penalty Over it incurs during the Round Stage," says the rule as per article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions.

Bangladesh currently hold fourth place in the WTC standings, but losing 10 crucial points due to a slow over-rate would significantly harm their chances of qualifying for the WTC final.

Ashwin-Jadeja Stand Wrecks Bangladesh's Winning Hopes Test Despite Strong Start

Earlier in the IND vs BAN Test, Bangladesh’s young pace sensation Hasan Mahmud claimed three quick wickets to rattle the Indian top order and get their score to 34-3 with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill back in the hut. Despite efforts from Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, India were reduced to 144-6. However, the Indian batting pair of Ashwin and Jadeja got together and stitched an unbeaten 195-run partnership. Ashwin brought up his sixth Test century while Jadeja finished the day on 86* with India sitting comfortably at 339-6.