BCB to lodge complaint to the ICC against South African players sledging and 'poor umpiring'

In a latest development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is planning to lodge an official complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over South Africa's "deplorable" behavior and biased umpiring during the first Test in Durban.

The first Test ended rather quickly on the fifth day as the Proteas spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer ripped Bangladesh's batting line-up, knocking them over for a mere 54.

Following the game, the BCB cricket operations chief Jalal Younus told ESPNCricinfo that the board is thinking of lodging an official complaint against relentless sledging from the home side players and biased umpiring.

While he did admit that sledging was something that both sides indulged in, but, according to Younus the umpires did not intervene when the South Africans took it beyond acceptable limits.

He said, "We have already lodged one complaint about the umpiring after the ODI series. The match referee had initially misbehaved with our manager, Nafees Iqbal, but then softened when we gave him a written complaint. We will lodge another official complaint about this Test match.” 

He further revealed that Bangladesh have already lodged a complaint to the ICC regarding biased umpiring in the ODI series, which the tourists won in stunning fashion late last month.

"Sledging definitely took place from both sides, but when they started it and took it overboard, we complained to the umpires. It wasn’t acceptable. We properly condemn it. We have to accept the umpires’ decisions, but the ICC must reinstate neutral umpires,” he added.

Meanwhile, it proved to be a memorable day for Maharaj on Monday as he claimed 7/32 to lead his side to a 220-run win.

South Africa claimed 12 crucial WTC points and a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test will take place in Port Elizabeth from April 08.