MIRPUR: Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct following his controversial run-out during the second ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
Code of conduct breach and penalty
According to the apex cricketing body, Agha was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match”.
The incident occurred when the Pakistan T20I captain, visibly frustrated after his dismissal, threw his helmet and gloves to the ground while walking back to the pavilion. He repeated the gesture after crossing the boundary rope on his way to the dressing room.
Match referee Neeyamur Rashid confirmed the charge, adding one demerit point to the all-rounder’s disciplinary record. This marks Agha’s first offence in a 24-month period. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Tanvir Ahmed, third umpire Kumar Dharmasena, and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul.
Agha admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. As per ICC rules, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum sanction of an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
The controversial dismissal
The unusual incident occurred in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled a flatter delivery, which Mohammad Rizwan nudged back towards the bowler.
The ball spun and rolled directly towards Salman Agha, who was stationed at the non-striker’s end. The ball made contact with his pad and bat before stopping near him. Believing the ball had become dead, Agha bent down to pick it up and hand it back to Miraz.
However, Miraz reacted quickly, intercepted the ball with his right foot, collected it, and swiftly broke the stumps, leaving Agha stranded and run out . The on-field umpire referred the decision to third umpire Kumar Dharmasena, who confirmed the dismissal after determining the ball remained in play.
Miraz’s move did not sit well with the Pakistan all-rounder, who later displayed his frustration by throwing his gloves and helmet into the ground as he made his way back to the pavilion.
Reactions and the spirit of cricket debate
The dismissal immediately reignited discussions about the “spirit of cricket,” drawing comparisons with the 2023 Ashes controversy involving Australia’s Alex Carey and England’s Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s.
Salman Ali Agha’s post-match press conference | Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI#BANvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/ipZdDvDynD
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 13, 2026
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Agha addressed the incident while acknowledging that the dismissal was within the laws of the game.
“I think sportsman spirit has to be there,” Agha told reporters. “What he has done is within the law. I think if he thinks it’s right, it’s right, but if you ask me my perspective, I would have done differently. I would have gone for sportsman spirit.” .
Agha explained that he went to pick up the ball thinking it would have been called dead after hitting his pad and bat . “I was just trying to give him the ball back. I was not looking for the run or anything like that, but he already decided [to make the run-out],” he added.
The Pakistan batter also addressed his exchange with Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das, describing it as a heat-of-the-moment reaction. “I can’t remember what I was saying and I can’t remember what he was saying. I’m sure I wasn’t saying nice things, and I’m sure he wasn’t saying nice stuff as well. But it was just heat of the moment, so we are fine”.
Bangladesh captain defends decision
Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz defended his actions during the post-match presentation, insisting that Agha would have gone for overthrows had he missed the target.
“He was away from the wicket, and I was just looking for the ball. If you miss, he would go for the run. So I was just thinking like that,” Miraz explained.
Litton Das also backed the decision, stating: “First of all, no one came here to play a charity league; this is an international match. Since the dismissal is within the rules, I don’t see from any angle that sportsmanship was compromised”.
Match outcome and series situation
Despite the controversy, Pakistan recovered from the setback to secure a 128-run victory via the DLS method after bowling Bangladesh out for 114 runs in reply to their total of 274. The win levelled the three-match series at 1-1, with the deciding ODI scheduled to be played on Sunday.
Agha, who had scored a fine 64 off 62 balls before his dismissal, confirmed he had not yet spoken to Miraz after the incident but indicated he would do so in due course. “I haven’t yet, but don’t worry, I’ll find him,” he said.
