Babar Azam fined for minor ICC Code of Conduct violation

Babar Azam has been fined for a minor breach of the ICC Code of Conduct following the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka.

The hosts wrapped up the series with a 3-0 clean sweep after defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. A disciplined bowling performance by Pakistan and a patient batting effort helped secure the win in a tense chase.

The 31-year-old batter was fined 10 per cent of his match fee for a Level 1 offence, which can carry a penalty ranging from an official reprimand to 50 percent of a player’s fee, along with one or two demerit points. This marks the first demerit point added to Babar’s disciplinary record in the past 24 months.

The incident happened in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings, after Babar, dismissed for 34 off 52 balls by Sri Lanka’s Jeffery Vandersay, struck the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease. The ICC confirmed the breach fell under Article 2.2, which covers ‘abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match’.

On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi raised the charge. Match referee Ali Naqvi proposed the sanction, which Babar accepted, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.

Despite the brief controversy, Pakistan’s emphatic victory capped off a dominant series performance, leaving the team in high spirits as they continue their international campaign.