While the International Cricket Council (ICC) aims to put in place more stringent laws into play against cheating and misconduct on the field, but Pakistani bowler Sohail Tanvir did something outrageous in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2018.
In CPL 2018’s second match between Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (SNP), Australian batsmen Ben Cutting was on the receiving end of this obscenity.
The incident took place in the 16th over of SNP’s innings. Tanvir came to bowl the last over of his quota of four overs with Chris Gayle and Cutting at the crease. SNP needed to accelerate in the death overs and get to a decent score. While Gayle was on song, Cutting had scored just 9 runs from 12 deliveries contrary to his ‘big-hitter’ reputation.
On the third ball of the over, Cutting got the strike and he struck the ball over Tanvir’s head with fierce power, clearing the rope with ease and hitting the sightscreen. Tanvir had not been hit for a six in the innings before and he was furious to take revenge from the Australian all-rounder.
On the next ball, Cutting shuffled across the crease like in the previous delivery, but Tanvir bowled a yorker which cleaned up his stumps. The 33-year-old had got his revenge but decided to do something more by showing Cutting the ‘middle finger’ on his way back to the pavilion.
#CPL2018 Sohail Tanvir bowls Ben Cutting after being hit for a six the previous delivery, then gives him the double finger!! Shocker! Has to be some sanction from that..kids watching. That said appears anything goes these days pic.twitter.com/vMLpUEdVdb
— Lukesters (@Lukesters) August 9, 2018
It may be the T20 league, but an international player, such as Tanvir, should maintain the integrity of the game rather than losing control. He might have to face a few demerit points or a ban for one or more game from ICC for his obscene gesture.
Here are a few reactions to Tanvir’s behaviour:
Extremely disappointing to see this in sports. But then, what else do you expect from Pakistanis? @Nair10Vineet @pb2410 watch this
— Mukund Iyer (@IyerM04) August 10, 2018
Ban him for 2 games
— Imran Khan (@imran484_khan) August 10, 2018
Sohail Tanvir gives Ben Cutting a double middle-finger salute after bowling him with a yorker for 15. He’ll probably be getting to meet match referee Denavon Hayles after the match. Patriots 119/3 in the 17th. pic.twitter.com/2tnzak0wmJ
— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) August 9, 2018
This is not good from Sohail Tanvir. Could have come up with a better reaction. Stars are role models for kids. https://t.co/d1sKJvs7iS
— Nabeel Hashmi (@iNabeelHashmi) August 10, 2018
Ahmer bahi the way of Sohail Tanvir bowls Ben Cutting after being hit for a six the previous delivery, then gives him the double finger!! Shocker! Has to be some sanction from that..kids watching. That said appears anything goes these days
— hamza khan (@hamzasahiib) August 10, 2018
Sohail Tanvir is disgusting. Did you not see his celebration after dismissing Cutting? How could you promote an individual that behaves in that manner in front of thousands of young viewers? Pathetic.
— threeatheback. (@chicoirie) August 10, 2018
‘Pathetic’ act of disrespect leaves Aussie cricketer fuming.
What was Sohail Tanvir thinking?
WATCH: https://t.co/gaCy5TStAw pic.twitter.com/WjAsgo2SQn
— 7Sport (@7Sport) August 10, 2018
@CPL @amznwarriors Sohail Tanvir is to be fined for that obscene gesture made to Ben Cutting on his dismissal during Twenty20 between Patriots vs Amazon Warriors. We all need to remember kids are watching worldwide & that form of behaviour is totally unacceptable in the game!!
— Brenda (@poohbeargranny) August 9, 2018
Sohail Tanvir just showed double middle fingers to Ben Cutting after getting him out on the very next ball after getting hit for a six. What an asshole. Why do such uneducated fellows get to play man?
— R! (@WeirdlyProbable) August 9, 2018
Sohail Tanvir that was absolutely unnecessary
— tubz (@rwpexpress14) August 9, 2018
Woaahhhh @CPL, you can’t be letting Sohail Tanvir get away with that sendoff! Totally against the spirit.
— Russ Clarke (@RussellHClarke) August 9, 2018
ALSO READ: Ali-Bravo’s Premature Celebration In CPL 2018 Despite Dropped Catch Will Make You Go ROFL — Watch
GAW had the last laugh as they won the match by 6 wickets with 21 balls to spare. Shimron Heytmer top-scored with 79 runs from 45 deliveries. On the other hand, in the first innings, Gayle carried the team on his back. He scored 86 runs from 65 deliveries but barely got support from other batsmen.
