ISLAMABAD: Three Pakistani cricketers—Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam—have been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Level 1 of its Code of Conduct during their tri-nation series match against South Africa in Karachi on Wednesday.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was fined 25% of his match fee for violating Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which addresses inappropriate physical contact during international matches. The fine followed an on-field altercation between Shaheen and South Africa’s Matther Breetzke in the 28th over of South Africa’s innings. Shaheen confronted Breetzke after the batter nearly collided with him while running between the wickets.
Saud Shakeel and substitute fielder Kamran Ghulam were fined 10% of their match fees for breaching Article 2.5 of the Code, which relates to provocative actions after a player’s dismissal. The incident occurred when Saud and Kamran celebrated too close to batter Temba Bavuma after his run-out in the 29th over.
All three players admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by ICC match referee David Boon, eliminating the need for formal hearings. The players have also received one demerit point each on their disciplinary records.
Shaheen addressed the incident in a post-match interview, explaining that he had teased Breetzke to unsettle him, but emphasized that the tension remained on the field. The two players later shook hands and put the incident behind them.
Pakistan’s victory in the match secured their place in the final of the tri-nation series, where they will face New Zealand on February 14 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
