Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam violated the ICC Code of Conduct during the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground on Sunday, November 18. Babar has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for hitting the stumps after his dismissal in the recently concluded series.
Pakistan, led by Shaheen Afridi, whitewashed Sri Lanka after a six-wicket win in the final. Babar scored 34 runs off 52 balls, including four boundaries, while chasing a target of 212. He finished as the leading run-getter in the ODI series, with 165 runs at an average of 82.50 and a strike rate of 74.32.
Babar Azam was fined 10 percent of his match fee for breaching the ICC code of conduct
Babar Azam was fined 10 percent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching Rule 2.2 during the third ODI against Sri Lanka. According to an official statement from the ICC, Babar was punished for hitting the stumps in frustration after being dismissed.
“Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for violating the ICC Level 1 Code of Conduct,” the statement said.
“The 31-year-old was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers ‘misuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match.'”
Babar Azam admits wrongdoing and accepts punishment, no hearing required
Babar Azam was given an additional demerit point on his disciplinary record and it was his first offense in a 24-month period. The incident took place in the 21st over of the Pakistan innings when he hit the stumps with his bat in frustration after being dismissed.
Match officials Alex Wharf, Rashid Riaz, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Faisal Afridi reported the foul, and match referee Ali Naqvi recommended the penalty. Babar accepted the charge and agreed to the sentence, meaning no formal hearing was necessary.
“on-field referees Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third referee Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth referee Faisal Afridi leveled the charge, while Ali Naqvi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees proposed the sanction.”
“The Pakistani batsman admitted the offense and accepted the sanction, negating the need for a formal hearing.”
Babar Azam will next be seen in action during the Home Tri-Series
Earlier, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf, batsman Sahibzada Farhan and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav were punished by the ICC for breaching their respective code of conduct during the Asia Cup.
Haris Rauf received the harshest sentence. He was suspended for two matches, fined 30 percent of his match fee and given two penalty points. The ICC clarified that accumulating four demerit points within a 24-month period will automatically convert to two suspension points, resulting in his suspension.
Pakistan’s players will next be in action in the home tri-series with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The Men in Green hope to refine their preparation ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
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