Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @shahkhushdil
Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been penalized for breaching Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that he has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee and received three demerit points on his disciplinary record—his first offence in a 24-month period.
The incident took place in the eighth over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil, while running between the wickets, made inappropriate physical contact with New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes. The ICC deemed the contact to be “reckless, negligent, and avoidable,” leading to the charge.
According to the ICC’s statement: “Khushdil was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).'”
The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Wayne Knights and Sam Nogajski, third umpire Kim Cotton, and fourth umpire Chris Brown. Khushdil admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
Level 2 breaches in the ICC Code of Conduct come with a penalty ranging from a 50 to 100 per cent fine on a player’s match fee or up to two Suspension Points.
Pakistan, under new T20I captain Salman Agha, had a disastrous start to the series, being bowled out for just 91 runs in the first game. New Zealand chased the target with ease in 10.1 overs, winning by nine wickets as Tim Seifert and Finn Allen remained unbeaten on 44 and 29, respectively.
Following the heavy defeat, Salman acknowledged his team’s shortcomings and emphasized the need to regroup before the second T20I in Dunedin on Tuesday. “It was difficult, we weren’t up to the mark, but we need to regather (ahead of Dunedin). They bowled really well, in great areas, there was a bit of seam movement as well. We will sit down, have a chat and think about the next game. We had three debutants, the more games they play, they’ll learn more. The new ball does a bit in New Zealand, we’ve good bowlers and we’ll look to do well in the next match,” Salman stated after the match.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
