In a notable development, the ICC has fined Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman 10% of his match fees for breaching Level 1 of the Code of Conduct during the tri-series final against Sri Lanka. The International Cricket Council found the southpaw guilty of showing dissent towards an umpire’s decision, marking his first such offence in the last 24 months.
Fakhar accepted the charge and was awarded a single demerit point. The ICC clarified that the fine was imposed for “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.”
What happened with Fakhar Zaman in the Tri-Series final?
The incident took place in the 19th over of Pakistan’s first innings when Fakhar claimed a catch off Dasun Shanaka. The on-field umpires ruled the catch not clean, allowing Shanaka to continue his innings. Zaman, visibly frustrated, confronted the umpire and gestured angrily, resulting in the ICC’s disciplinary action.
According to Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, actions such as showing excessive disappointment, delaying play, pointing, arguing with umpires, or other forms of dissent fall under Level 1 breaches. The rule specifically lists behaviours including shaking the head, pointing to pads or shoulders, snatching the umpire’s cap, or entering prolonged discussions about decisions.
