Dubai: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has been fined for a Level 1 ICC Code of Conduct breach following the third ODI against Sri Lanka. The former Pakistan captain was penalised 10 percent of his match fee after being found guilty of violating Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which concerns abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, pitch, or ground fixtures during an international match.
The incident took place in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings, shortly after Babar was dismissed. In frustration, the right-hander struck the stumps with his bat before walking back to the pavilion, prompting match officials to take disciplinary action.
The charge was laid by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi. The sanction was later confirmed by Ali Naqvi, a member of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.
Babar accepted the charge without requesting a formal hearing, resulting in the addition of one demerit point to his disciplinary record — his first offence within the last 24-month period. Under ICC rules, Level 1 offences carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum 50% match-fee deduction, alongside one or two demerit points.
Despite the disciplinary setback, Babar ended the series on a high, playing a pivotal role in Pakistan’s clean sweep victory over Sri Lanka. The prolific batter finished as the top run-scorer with 165 runs, including his record 20th ODI century.
