After getting into a heated argument with on-field officials during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) game, Towhid Hridoy was initially banned for one match. However, that ban has now been extended to two games.

Towhid Hridoy suspended for two matches after heated exchange with umpires during DPL derbyThe incident happened on April 12 during a public fight between Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club, two teams that have a history of rivalry.  In Abahani's 8th over, when spinner Ebadot Hossain tried to catch Mohammad Mithun LBW, but umpire Tanvir Ahmed turned it down, things got tense.  The choice didn't go over well with Mohammedan's fielders, especially captain Towhid Hridoy, who was angry right away.

One of the most recognised officials in international cricket, senior umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shaid Saikat, tried to calm things down but was met with more pushback.  People saw Hridoy pointing fingers and fighting loudly, which made things worse on the pitch.

Under Level 2 of the BCB's Code of Conduct, the player was originally banned for one match and fined BDT 50,000. However, after more review, the punishment was raised to a two-match ban.  Pacer Ebadot was also fined BDT 40,000 for a Level 1 offence because he was involved in the first appeal.

Speaking to the media, BCB’s Umpires and Media Committee Chairman Iftikhar Ahmed Mithu did not mince words. “This is absolutely unacceptable,” Mithu said. “Globally, players aren’t allowed to question the umpire’s decision on the field — let alone act aggressively. There’s a code of conduct that everyone must follow, and the umpire’s decision is final.”

Mithu also pointed out that the match had some of the top officials in the world, including Sharfuddoula, who is currently ranked among the top 5 international umpires. “The match referee actually acted leniently. What happened was a serious breach — and we follow ICC guidelines to the letter,” he added.

Mithu also criticized the broader culture of leniency toward such behavior, warning that it sends the wrong message to younger players. “This is like cancer. If left unchecked, it spreads. Especially when national-level players behave like this, it sets a bad precedent for school and age-level cricketers.”

Interestingly, Mithu didn’t just stop at criticism. He also offered a way forward. “If ignorance is part of the problem, we’re open to organizing workshops to educate players. But the bottom line is — each player is responsible for knowing and respecting the game’s rules. Just like they follow training regimes, they must also follow codes of conduct.”