Cheteshwar Pujara banned for one match by ECB for indiscipline by Sussex county

In a surprising development, Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has faced suspension from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) due to a conduct violation. Pujara, who serves as the captain for the Sussex County Cricket Club, has been handed a one-match suspension, while Sussex has received a 12-point penalty for their blatant breach of conduct regulations.

"Sussex County Cricket Club has received an automatic 12-point deduction in the LV= Insurance County Championship and captain Cheteshwar Pujara a one-match suspension after the club passed the threshold of receiving four fixed penalties in one season, in accordance with the ECB's Professional Conduct Regulations," ECB said in its statement. 

3 things you need to know

• Cheteshwar Pujara has been plying his trade in the County Championships
• Pujara is the captain of the County side Sussex, which he joined in 2022
• Pujara has been handed a ban because of the ill-discipline of his teammates

Also Read: 'When I Got Dropped...': Frustrated Cheteshwar Pujara Reveals Reaction To India Test Snub

Here's why Pujara has been suspended

The reason behind Pujara's one-match suspension stems from the unsportsmanlike behavior of his teammates, Jack Carson and Tom Haines. This incident unfolded during the Sussex vs. Leicestershire match at Hove. While Pujara himself did not violate the ECB's Professional Conduct Regulations, his failure to address the conduct issues exhibited by Carson and Haines led to his suspension.

According to ECB's Professional Conduct Regulations, if the same individual served as the captain throughout all the matches where fixed penalties were incurred, the captain will receive an automatic one-match suspension within that competition. The ECB issued a statement regarding Pujara's suspension 

"Sussex CCC have confirmed that they and Cheteshwar Pujara are not appealing any of the decisions and Cheteshwar Pujara will miss their next LV= Insurance County Championship game, scheduled to start against Derbyshire on 19 September," ECB added. 

Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara Shows His 50-over Prowess Before World Cup In England, Jaffer Concerned

Pujara has been in outstanding form for Sussex this season, registering three centuries and maintaining an impressive batting average of 54.08. In his absence, Tom Alsop will assume the captaincy for the upcoming match against Derbyshire. Pujara is set to become available for selection once again in the final round of matches. Sussex's fixture against Derbyshire is scheduled to commence tomorrow, on Tuesday, September 19th.

Image: PTI