Gulbadin Naib Fined for Mocking Umpire During ZIM vs AFG 2nd T20I

Gulbadin Naib found himself in hot water during Afghanistan’s second T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare after mocking an umpire’s decision. The incident led to a fine of 15 percent of his match fee and a demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The controversy unfolded when Naib expressed dissent after the umpire rejected an LBW appeal against Zimbabwe’s Tashinga Musekiwa in the 11th over of Zimbabwe’s innings. In an exaggerated reaction, Naib performed a mock prayer and requested a DRS review, even though Afghanistan had no reviews left. Umpires considered his actions a violation of Article 2.8 of the ICC Code, which addresses showing dissent towards an umpire’s decision.

As a result, Naib was penalized with a fine and one demerit point. This was his first offense within a 24-month period, and he accepted the charge without the need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Langton Rusere and Forster Mutizwa, along with third umpire Iknow Chabi and fourth umpire Percival Sizara, brought the charge. Andy Pycroft, from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, proposed the fine.

On the field, Afghanistan secured a comfortable 50-run victory, leveling the three-match T20I series. Darwish Rasooli’s half-century helped Afghanistan post a competitive 153/6, with Naib contributing 26 runs off 21 balls. In response, Zimbabwe struggled to chase down the target, with only Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett offering any resistance. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq led the bowling attack for Afghanistan, taking three wickets each to seal the win.