Harmanpreet Kaur Smashes Stumps After LBW Decision

During the third ODI between India Women and Bangladesh Women in July 2023, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was given out LBW while batting on 1. Convinced the ball had struck her bat first, Kaur lost her composure completely. She angrily gestured at the umpire, refused to leave the crease immediately, and then kicked and smashed the stumps on her way off the field.

The outburst was caught on camera and went viral on social media. It drew immediate criticism from fans, commentators, and former players. Many pointed out that as the captain of India and a role model for young girls taking up the sport, her behaviour was unacceptable. The ICC charged her with two offences — showing dissent at an umpire's decision and conduct that brings the game into disrepute.

Kaur received a two-match ban (one match suspended) and was fined 75% of her match fee. She missed the following match against Bangladesh as part of the punishment. The incident also sparked a broader conversation about the growing pressure on women's cricket captains and the intensity that had crept into the women's game.

While some defended Kaur by saying her passion got the better of her, the consensus was that the behaviour was inexcusable regardless of the quality of the decision. It remains one of the most striking disciplinary incidents in the history of women's international cricket.