Pakistan's explosive opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman, has been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a breach of its Code of Conduct during an international match. The left-handed batter was found guilty of a Level 1 offence, resulting in a financial penalty.
The Incident and ICC's Ruling
The breach occurred during the second Twenty20 International (T20I) between Pakistan and New Zealand, which took place in Rawalpindi on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The ICC confirmed that Zaman was found to have violated Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This specific article deals with throwing a ball at or near a player, support personnel, umpire, match referee, or spectator in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match.
Following the match, Zaman admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson. Consequently, there was no need for a formal hearing. The penalty imposed was a fine equivalent to 10% of Zaman's match fee. Additionally, one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record.
On-Field Umpires Initiate Charge
The charge against the Pakistani cricketer was levelled by the on-field umpires for the match, Ahmed Shah Pakteen and Rashid Riaz, along with third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi. The incident serves as a reminder of the strict professional standards upheld in international cricket.
It is noteworthy that this was Fakhar Zaman's first offence within a 24-month period concerning the ICC Code of Conduct. The accumulation of demerit points can lead to more severe suspensions if a player reaches a specific threshold.
Context of the Match and Series
The match in question was part of a five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand. Despite the personal sanction for Zaman, Pakistan emerged victorious in the second T20I, securing a 7-wicket win. Fakhar Zaman contributed 13 runs from 9 balls during the successful run chase. The series is a crucial part of both teams' preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
This disciplinary action underscores the ICC's consistent approach to maintaining decorum and safety on the field. Players are expected to uphold the spirit of the game at all times, and even minor infractions are addressed through the official code.
