Three Pakistani cricket players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam, have been penalized for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their tri-nation series match against South Africa, the ICC announced.
Shaheen Afridi Penalized for Physical Contact
Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was fined 25% of his match fee for violating Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits “inappropriate physical contact” during an international match.
The incident took place in the 28th over of South Africa’s innings when Shaheen deliberately obstructed batter Matthew Breetzke as he attempted a single. The inappropriate contact led to an argument between the two players.
Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam’s Breaches
Meanwhile, batter Saud Shakeel and substitute fielder Kamran Ghulam were fined 10% of their match fees for violating Article 2.5 of the Code, which prohibits actions that may provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.
The violation occurred in the 29th over, as the duo celebrated too close to batter Temba Bavuma after his dismissal via a run-out, which was deemed inappropriate by match officials.
Demerit Points Added
In addition to the fines, all three players received one demerit point each on their disciplinary records. Notably, this is the first offence for all three players in the last 24 months.
The players admitted to their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by David Boon, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, avoiding the need for formal hearings.
Match Officials and Charges
The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Michael Gough, third umpire Richard Illingworth, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi.
Pakistan’s Focus Ahead
Despite the penalties, Pakistan has performed strongly in the tri-nation series and will look to maintain their focus as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy.
