Tamim, de Kock bump against each other

South Africa’s wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock and Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal were involved in a shoulder-barging incident at the stroke of lunch on the 2nd day of the first Test in Chittagong on Wednesday. Tamim played out the last ball of the 30th over bowled by Simon Harmer, and as he turned around to head to the dressing room, he got involved in a conversation with de Kock. It soon descended into shoulder-barging, but South African captain Hashim Amla swiftly intervened and dispersed the crowd that was gathering around the umpires and Tamim. As the two teams separately walked off to the dressing-room, Dale Steyn put his arm around Tamim and had a word with him. The incident, however, was missed by the host broadcaster Gazi TV as they cut to commercial immediately after the over finished. The big screen at the ground showed some bits of the incident. The ICC Code of Conduct’s Article 2.2.7 relates to “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other Person (including a spectator) in the course of play during an International Match”. It also adds that “without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately walk or run into or shoulder another player”, according to ESPNcricinfo. South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw was also involved in a shoulder barging incident with Tamim Iqbal during the Tigers v Proteas 2nd one-day international (ODI) match at Mirpur earlier this month. Rilee Rossouw, while walking to celebrate Tamim’s dismissal, shouldered the batsman in full view of the umpires. He was fined 50 per cent of his match fees. In June, Indian ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dholi was involved in a similar incident with Bangladesh’s fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman during India v Bangladesh series in Dhaka last month which caused a stir in cricket world. Both Dhoni and Mustafizur were booked by the ICC and the issue came to an end after cricket’s world governing body deducted an amount from their match fees. After Wednesday’s incident a cricket lover commented in the Facebook: It seems that South Africa is targeting Tamim to make him lose his cool. However, in overall context, this is not a big deal. These types of incidents happen many a times. The players will get over it sooner than fans. Good day on the pitch for Bangladesh. I was hoping Mahmudullah (Riyad) stayed till the end but Bangladesh are still in a better position. The Tigers need Mushy and Shakib to play with a cool head. They can afford to bat all day tomorrow (Thursday) if rain allows and if the home side do not play rash shots. But, history says, Bangladesh batsmen will lose focus. I hope not. Go Tigers!.”