Pakistan’s batting stalwart Babar Azam has been fined 10 percent of his match fee after being found guilty of a Level 1 breach of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct during the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka.
According to a report today, the incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings when the 31-year-old cricketer hit the stumps with his bat in a moment of frustration immediately following his dismissal.
In addition to the financial penalty, one demerit point has been added to Babar”s disciplinary record. This marks his first such offence within a 24-month period.
The charge was levelled against the player by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi.
The sanction was proposed by Ali Naqvi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Babar admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed penalty, thereby negating the need for a formal hearing.
The violation falls under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.’
Level 1 breaches of the code carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum of a 50 percent match fee fine, along with one or two demerit points.
Despite the disciplinary action, Babar played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s series sweep over Sri Lanka, emerging as the highest run-scorer with 165 runs, a tally that included a record 20th ODI century.