Sussex Faces Consequences for On-Field Behavior
Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, currently representing Sussex in the County Championship, has been suspended for one game due to a fourth disciplinary charge against his team. Sussex has incurred a penalty of 12 points, and Pujara will be absent from this week’s game against Derbyshire as a result. His suspension was automatic because Sussex reached the limit of four penalties in one season.
Additionally, Sussex has taken action against three other players: spinner Jack Carson, Tom Haines, and Ari Karvelas, following behavior described by head coach Paul Farbrace as having “tarnished” their 15-run victory over Leicestershire last week.
Impact on Sussex’s Championship Standing
Sussex’s recent win had kept them in contention for promotion to Division One, but now they have dropped to fifth place in the Division Two table. They are currently 30 points behind the second-placed Worcestershire, with only two matches remaining in the season.
Players’ Responses
Jack Carson and top-order batter Tom Haines issued apologies through Sussex’s website for their actions. Meanwhile, Ari Karvelas will remain unavailable for selection while an investigation into an incident during the Leicestershire match continues.
Coach’s Stance
Coach Paul Farbrace explained the team’s decisions, stating, “We have made Jack and Tom unavailable for selection for this game at Derbyshire. Following the umpires and match referee’s decision to charge both players with on-field level one and level two offences, we needed to take a stance and show them we will not condone such behaviors.”
Farbrace emphasized that these actions have come at a cost, leading to Cheteshwar Pujara’s unavailability and a 12-point deduction for the team. He also stated that Ari Karvelas will not be considered for selection until the ongoing investigation is concluded.
The coach expressed his disappointment and assured the team’s fans and supporters that they will work diligently to prevent such situations from arising in the future.
Previous Disciplinary Incidents
Earlier in the season, Sussex had faced disciplinary actions twice, with skipper Cheteshwar Pujara being accused of a Level 1 offence in the opening match against Durham, and Tom Haines receiving a reprimand after the Hove match.
