Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam was fined for a minor breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka on Sunday. The incident occurred at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to complete a 3-0 series sweep.
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Babar, 31, was fined 10 per cent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match.” One demerit point was also added to his disciplinary record, marking his first in a 24-month period.
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The offence took place in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings, when Babar struck the stumps with his bat after being dismissed for 34 off 52 balls by Sri Lanka’s Jeffery Vandersay. On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi recommended the charge, while match referee Ali Naqvi proposed the sanction.
Babar admitted to the offence and accepted the fine, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
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The ICC confirmed the sanction in a press release, noting that Babar’s acceptance of responsibility allowed the matter to be concluded swiftly, without further disciplinary proceedings.