ISLAMABAD: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam was fined 10 percent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, the international body announced.
The sanction stems from Article 2.2 of the ICC Code, which covers the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an International Match. The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, when Babar struck the stumps with his bat after being dismissed.
Following an agreement between match officials, the charge was upheld by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi. Ali Naqvi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees recommended the sanction. Babar acknowledged the offence and accepted the penalty, avoiding a formal hearing.
Level 1 breaches carry a range of sanctions from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 percent of a match fee and one or two demerit points. In this case, Azam received a 10 percent fine and one demerit point added to his disciplinary record, marking his first offence within 24 months.
The disciplinary outcome did not derail Pakistan’s series performance. The side completed a clean sweep against Sri Lanka, with Babar contributing heavily with the bat, including a series-leading 165 runs and a record-breaking 20th ODI century.
The ICC reiterated that sanctions for Level 1 offences are designed to maintain the sport’s standards while allowing players to continue contributing on the field. Babar’s punishment serves as a reminder that even high-profile captains are accountable for on-field conduct, even in moments of high emotion.
