ICC Penalties Pakistan Bowlers for Code of Conduct Breach
The ICC penalties Pakistan bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas after both breached the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba. The punishments followed aggressive wicket celebrations that broke ICC regulations.
Khurram Shahzad Fined, Mohammad Abbas Reprimanded
The International Cricket Council fined Khurram Shahzad 15% of his match fee. It also issued Mohammad Abbas with an official reprimand.
The ICC ruled that both bowlers violated Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The rule bans players from using gestures, actions, or language that could provoke a dismissed batter.
The sanctions include:
- Khurram Shahzad fined 15% of his match fee
- Mohammad Abbas officially reprimanded
- One demerit point added to each player’s record
- Neither player had previous offences during the past 24 months
Wicket Celebrations Led to ICC Action
Khurram Shahzad celebrated close to Shai Hope after dismissing him in the 17th over of the West Indies’ second innings. Match officials decided the celebration crossed the acceptable limit.
Mohammad Abbas also celebrated near Jomel Warrican after taking the final wicket of the innings. Officials considered his reaction excessive under the ICC Code of Conduct.
Both players admitted the offences immediately. They accepted the penalties proposed by ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe. As a result, the ICC did not hold disciplinary hearings.
On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Richard Kettleborough reported the incidents. Third umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal also supported the charges.
Pakistan Suffer Defeat in First Test
The penalties came shortly after Pakistan lost the opening Test of the two-match series.
The West Indies claimed a convincing 90-run victory on the fourth day in Tarouba. The result gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series.Pakistan’s bowlers produced several impressive spells during the match. However, the batting lineup struggled in the final innings and failed to chase the target.
ICC Continues to Enforce Player Conduct
The ICC continues to monitor player behaviour closely. The governing body wants wicket celebrations to remain competitive without becoming confrontational.
Under the ICC Code of Conduct, a Level 1 offence can result in:
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- An official reprimand
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- A fine of up to 50% of the player’s match fee
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- One or two demerit points
- Stronger disciplinary action for repeated offences within two years
The governing body says these rules help protect the spirit of cricket while encouraging respectful behaviour on the field.
