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DeutschFact Check: Will Sanju Samson miss T20 World Cup semi-final vs England over a possible ban?
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The moment came at the end of a tense chase when Samson sealed India’s victory with a boundary. As the ball raced away, the right-handed batter removed his helmet and dropped it onto the ground before falling to his knees and offering a prayer. The emotional celebration quickly went viral, with some observers suggesting the act might fall under the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct related to equipment abuse.
Sanju Samson's possible ban: What do the ICC rules say?
A closer look at the rules suggests that the fears of a suspension are largely misplaced. Under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players can be penalised for “abuse of cricket equipment,” which includes actions such as throwing or striking items like helmets, bats, or stumps in frustration. The rule also covers deliberate damage to advertising boards, boundary fences, or dressing room fixtures.
Even if Samson’s act were to be reviewed under this provision, it would most likely fall under a Level 1 offence — the lowest category of disciplinary breaches. Level 1 incidents typically attract fines or demerit points rather than suspensions.
Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary also dismissed the speculation, explaining that Samson’s gesture appeared to be an emotional celebration rather than an act of anger or protest. According to him, such moments are common in high-pressure matches and are rarely treated as serious offences.
Recent examples support this interpretation. Scotland’s George Munsey received only one demerit point earlier in the tournament after throwing his helmet in frustration following his dismissal.
As things stand, there has been no official charge or complaint against Samson from match officials. India are scheduled to face England in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5, and the wicketkeeper-batter remains fully eligible to play.
Winter Olympics medal-winner who admitted to cheating on his girlfriend delivers update on his situation three weeks on - after strain left him sick
The stress of the scandal that engulfed cheating Olympic biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid caused him to lose weight. It was one of the most remarkable moments of the Winter Olympics.
F1 cancellation deals already set for Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, claims finance expert
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain on the F1 calendar for 2026, but the status of both events is still in question. With time running out, F1 needs to decide soon if those races will go ahead as planned.
This year’s season begins with the Australian Grand Prix returning as the opening race, followed by a trip to China before teams head to Suzuka. But before then, a decision is expected on whether Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will remain part of the schedule.
There has been talk about Japan potentially hosting back-to-back races, which would put extra pressure on Aston Martin and Honda if their underperforming power units have to go through two races in front of local fans.
What happens to F1 if Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix don’t go ahead?
Adam Williams weighed in on the issue, saying: “F1 and the event organisers will be covered for this eventuality to an extent, I’d have thought. There was a lot of debate about what was and wasn’t covered in insurance agreements when the pandemic hit, so it’s a nuanced question.
“Many agreements have a ‘war exclusion’ clause, but I’d expect that, given their geography, the organisers of the Bahrain and Jeddah races would have seen this as a material risk, so would have paid for war cover. Without seeing the contracts, we can’t say for sure, however. Either way, even if they do have cover, you’re going to get back some of the money you’d have made in revenue if the race had gone ahead, but not all of it.
“And matters are complicated by the commercial structure of Formula 1 – there could be different layers of loss and insurance at the local level, for broadcasters and sponsors, and for F1 itself. Also, would F1 cancel the races altogether, replace them or suspend them? That’s another factor.
“There is something of a precedent in the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix being cancelled because of the Arab Spring… but that was resolved commercially and politically rather than through insurers,” Williams continued.
“I appreciate there are a lot of ifs and buts there… Clearly though safety has to be first – not just fans or drivers either.”
Other venues in Europe like Imola and Portimao are also being discussed as alternatives.
Formula 1 nearing deadline for decision on Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races
With practice in Bahrain set to begin on 10 April, the clock is ticking. Teams face a tight timeline, not only to prepare for the event but also to manage the complex logistics that come with a global racing calendar.
Freight schedules and travel plans don’t leave much room for uncertainty. According to a report from BBC Sport, teams may have to start sending equipment immediately after the Chinese Grand Prix if no decision has been made by then.
Both circuits are believed to pay over £75 million each in hosting fees, which includes support races like Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy.
The chances of finding replacements on short notice seem slim. Organising a Grand Prix involves ticket sales, local planning and a massive logistical effort that can’t be arranged overnight.
Adding to that, the same report downplays the idea of back-to-back races at Suzuka, suggesting there’s ‘little benefit’ compared to the strain it would put on teams and staff.
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Sweden legend hails Celtic’s ‘fantastic player’, saying the best is yet to come
Former Sweden international midfielder Anders Limpar, has been admiring the impact that his fellow countryman Benjamin Nygren is making in his first season at Celtic…
Benjamin Nygren scores the winner. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Last night Nygren scored his 15th goal in the Scottish Premiership to give Celtic the three points in a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Aberdeen. That result means that Celtic move above the Rangers into second place in the table as the Champions close the gap on current leaders Hearts.
Benjamin Nygren celebrates. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
And Limpar has revealed that in his opinion Celtic haven’t see the best of the Swedish goalscorer just yet. Speaking via bettingsidor.se, the former Arsenal and Everton midfielder is clearly a big Benjamin Nygren fan and believes that his performances and goal-scoring exploits for Celtic can help force him into the Sweden starting XI on a regular basis.
Like many Celtic supporters, Limpar is somewhat unsure of Nygren’s best position, noting that for Sweden his is playing up-front while at Celtic he’s been used as an attacking midfielder.
Benjamin Nygren celebrates. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“Obviously, Nygren moved from FC Nordsjaelland to Celtic and he has done so well scoring a lot of goals,” Limpar said. “I have seen him play many times for Sweden as well and he is fantastic.
“He is not as good as Isak or Gyokeres to play up front, and he is not as good as Forsberg, Elanga or Kulusewski to be in the starting eleven, but he is a hell of a player. When he plays, he is always creating so many chances and when he plays for Sweden he plays up front.
Benjamin Nygren at Ibrox. theRangers 2 Celtic 2. Sunday 1st March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“Playing for Celtic he is playing a different position, but he is so usable in many positions,”the former Sweden international noted. “He is good at set pieces and I don’t even think we have seen the best from him yet. He is a hell of a prospect but it is a shame for him he is playing in a golden generation for the Swedish national team, because he is not among the best eleven, but on the other hand with his performances for Celtic it will be tough to keep him out.”
“He can play so many different positions and is very usable.”
22.02.2026 Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership. Benjamin Nygren’s goal celebration Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO
Benjamin Nygren can also divide opinions among the Celtic support but for all his faults his goals are the single biggest factor in Celtic still being involved in the title race. All he needs now is a goal, preferably a winning goal, against the Rangers and this Sunday would be the perfect time for that.
Here’s how Benjamin Nyrgen came off the bench last night at Pittodrie to score the winner for Celtic against Aberdeen, and don’t miss Sandman’s unique take on watching Celtic with his Definitive Ratings, with the link below.
READ THIS…Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic – Time for Sandman’s Definitive Ratings
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
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