Pakistan’s batting stalwart Babar Azam has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for a Level 1 ICC Code of Conduct breach. The 31-year-old has been 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.”
In addition, a demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record, making it a first offence for Babar in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings when Babar hit the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease following his dismissal.
Demerit point added to Babar Azam's disciplinary record after actions in 3rd ODI vs SL
On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi levelled the charge while Ali Naqvi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees proposed the sanction. The Pakistan batter admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction, negating the need for a formal hearing.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Pakistan went on to clinch a series sweep over Sri Lanka with Babar playing a lead role with the bat, scoring 165 runs - most in the series - which included a record 20th ODI ton.
(With Inputs from Press Release)
