Khushdil Shah Heavily Fined for Breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been penalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday.

The ICC announced on Tuesday that Khushdil has been fined 50% of his match fee for violating Article 2.12 of the Code of Conduct, which pertains to “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).”

The incident occurred in the eighth over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil collided with New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes. The ICC classified the act as “inappropriate physical contact with a high degree of force,” deeming it “reckless, negligent, and avoidable.”

Khushdil Shah admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, thereby avoiding the need for a formal hearing.

In addition to the fine, three demerit points have been added to Khushdil’s disciplinary record. This marks his first offense within the 24-month period. Under ICC regulations, if a player accumulates four or more demerit points within two years, they are converted into suspension points. Two suspension points result in a ban from either one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, depending on the player’s upcoming schedule.

The sanction adds to Pakistan’s struggles, as the team suffered a humiliating nine-wicket defeat in the series opener. Batting first, Pakistan managed only 91 runs before being bowled out in the penultimate over. Khushdil was the lone bright spot for the visitors, top-scoring with a 30-ball 32.