Babar Azam has been fined for a minor breach of the ICC Code of Conduct following Pakistan’s third One-Day International against Sri Lanka, where the hosts completed a 3-0 clean sweep with a six-wicket win at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan displayed disciplined bowling and steady batting to secure victory in a tense run chase. However, the match also saw an unusual moment involving Pakistan’s star batter. The 31-year-old was fined 10 percent of his match fee for committing a Level 1 offence, which can include penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a deduction of up to 50 percent of a player’s fee, along with possible demerit points.
The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings. After being dismissed for a patient 34 off 52 balls by Sri Lanka’s Jeffery Vandersay, Babar struck the stumps with his bat before walking off the field. The ICC confirmed the offence under Article 2.2 of its Code of Conduct, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, or any ground fixtures during an international match.
On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi reported the breach. Match referee Ali Naqvi imposed the sanction, which Babar accepted, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. This marks Babar’s first demerit point in the last 24 months.
Despite the moment of frustration, Pakistan’s commanding series win kept spirits high as the team moves forward in their international campaign.
