Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been fined 10% of his match fee and given one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the tri-series final against Sri Lanka on November 29. The ICC confirmed that Fakhar violated Article 2.8, which deals with showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match. He accepted the match referee’s proposed sanction, which meant no formal hearing was required.
The incident happened in the 19th over when Fakhar attempted a sharp catch at short third. He dived forward and appeared to complete a brilliant catch off Dasun Shanaka’s leading edge. However, after referring the decision, the third umpire ruled that the ball had touched the ground before Fakhar secured it, declaring the batter not out. Fakhar and bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed visible disappointment towards the on-field umpires, which led to the charge.
On the very next delivery, Shanaka was bowled while trying to heave across the line. Fakhar reacted sarcastically, looking towards the umpire and appealing in a mocking manner, further highlighting his frustration with the previous decision.
Despite the tense moment, Pakistan comfortably won the match by six wickets. Sri Lanka collapsed dramatically, losing nine wickets for just 30 runs to be dismissed for 114. In response, Babar Azam anchored Pakistan’s chase with a composed unbeaten 37, guiding his team to victory in 18.4 overs.
This was Fakhar’s first offence in the last 24 months. According to ICC rules, Level 1 violations carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a deduction of up to 50% of a match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
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