Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has been fined ten per cent of his match fees for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct in the third ODI against Sri Lanka. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the punishment on Tuesday, November 18, stating that Babar was found guilty under a Level 1 offence of the Code of Conduct.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Rawalpindi during the 21st over, when Babar was bowled by spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. Frustrated by his dismissal, he hit the stumps with his bat before walking off the field. Batting at No. 3, Babar scored 34 runs off 52 balls at a strike rate of 65.38.
Alex Wharf, Rashid Riaz, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Faisal Afridi were the umpires on duty and levelled the charge.
It is pertinent to note that Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, for players and player support personnel, covers “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match.”
Along with the fine, Babar has been handed one demerit point. This was his first offence in a 24-month period, and as Babar accepted the charge, the ICC did not hold a formal hearing.
Such offences under Level 1 of the Code of Conduct usually result in a warning, a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Pakistan completed a series whitewash over Sri Lanka, and Babar was the top scorer with 165 runs. The former Pakistan captain also scored his 20th ODI century during the second match, where he was named player of the match.
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz