Pakistani Trio Penalized for Code of Conduct Violations

The Pakistani trio, including pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam, have been penalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct during their Tri-Nation Series clash against South Africa in Karachi. Pakistan’s memorable win was marred by plenty of on-field drama as tensions flared between the two sides.

The ill-will kicked off during South Africa’s period of batting dominance when Shaheen became involved in a verbal exchange with Matthew Breetzke, which led Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam to celebrate Temba Bavuma’s dismissal in an animated manner. The fireworks continued well into Pakistan’s innings until Tayyab Tahir smacked the winning runs following heroics by Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha.

Shaheen Afridi was docked 25% of his match fee for violating Article 2.12 of the ICC Code, which prohibits “inappropriate physical contact” during an international match. In a separate violation, Saud Shakeel and substitute fielder Kamran Ghulam were fined 10% of their match fees for celebrating Bavuma’s dismissal. The ICC deemed their actions a breach of Article 2.5, which concerns gestures or conduct that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.

The Pakistani trio have not only been penalized financially but have also received one demerit point each on their disciplinary records. Notably, none of them had any prior offences in the last 24 months. The trio accepted the ICC’s sanctions, eliminating the need for any formal hearing.

Despite the disciplinary setbacks, Pakistan emerged victorious against South Africa, securing a place in the Tri-Nation Series final against New Zealand, scheduled for February 14.