ISLAMABAD: India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct during the T20 World Cup 2026 final.
The incident took place during India’s clash with New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the hosts secured a convincing 96-run victory.
Arshdeep was found to have violated Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to throwing a ball or any piece of cricket equipment at or near a player in an inappropriate or dangerous manner during an international match.
The moment occurred in the 11th over of New Zealand’s chase of a challenging 256-run target. After completing his delivery, Arshdeep collected the ball and threw it towards the stumps, unintentionally striking New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell on the pads.
Post-match interview
Mitchell appeared unhappy and approached the bowler, leading to a brief tense exchange. India captain Suryakumar Yadav stepped in to calm the situation, while umpire Richard Illingworth also spoke with Arshdeep. The pacer later apologised to Mitchell after the over ended.
Speaking in a post-match interview with Harsha Bhogle, Arshdeep insisted there had been no harmful intent behind the throw.
“I just went to apologise to Mitchell,” he said. “My throw reverse-swung and hit him, so I wanted to say sorry. It wasn’t intentional.”
Relations between the players later improved, with a video shared on the BlackCaps’ official Instagram account showing Arshdeep offering another apology before the pair exchanged a handshake.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf, along with third umpire Allahuddien Paleker and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock.
As it was Arshdeep’s first offence within a 24-month period, the sanction falls within the standard range for Level 1 breaches, which can result in a reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee, and one or two demerit points.
