DUBAI: Pakistan batting star Babar Azam was fined 10 per cent of his match fee and handed a demerit point for allegedly hitting the stumps with his bat after being dismissed in the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
The 31-year-old breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.” In addition, a demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record, making it a first offence for Babar in a 24-month period.
The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings when Babar hit the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease following his dismissal in the final ODI of the series on Sunday.
On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi levelled the charge, while Ali Naqvi of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees proposed the sanction.
“The Pakistan batter admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction, negating the need for a formal hearing,” the ICC said in a statement.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Pakistan went on to complete a series sweep over Sri Lanka, with Babar playing a lead role with the bat. He scored 165 runs — the most in the series — which included his 20th ODI century.