Pakistan’s renowned batter, Babar Azam, has been fined 10% of his match fee after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during a recent match.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Babar violated Article 2.2, which addresses the “misuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures during an international match.” The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings when Babar, having been dismissed, struck the stumps with his bat as he walked off the field.
In addition to the fine, Babar received a demerit point, marking his first offence within a 24-month period. He had made 34 runs off 52 balls before being dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay.
The charge was confirmed by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, as well as third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi. The sanction was recommended by Ali Naqvi from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.
Babar admitted to the offence and accepted the fine, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. Under ICC rules, Level 1 breaches can result in penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of the match fee, along with the addition of one or two demerit points.
Despite Babar’s dismissal, Pakistan triumphed over Sri Lanka in the final ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, securing a six-wicket win and completing a series clean sweep.