Pakistani captain Babar Azam has been fined for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The star batsman was penalised 10 per cent of his match fee following a Level 1 offence under clause 2.2 of the ICC Code, which pertains to the “improper use of cricket equipment or clothing, field equipment, or facilities during an international match.”
The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings, when Babar, after being dismissed, struck the stumps with his bat before walking off the field. The Pakistan captain accepted responsibility for his actions and agreed to the sanction proposed by ICC match referee Ali Nadhir, thereby avoiding the need for a formal hearing. In addition to the fine, Babar received one demerit point, marking his first disciplinary breach in the past 24 months.
While the sanction is a notable reprimand, it did not overshadow Babar’s exceptional performance in the series. Across the three ODIs, he amassed 165 runs at an average of 82.50, including an unbeaten 102 in the second ODI, helping Pakistan secure a comprehensive 3–0 series sweep over Sri Lanka.
Key Incident and Penalty Details
| Player | Offence | Level | Penalty | Demerit Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Striking stumps with bat after dismissal | 1 | 10% match fee fine | 1 | First breach in 24 months |
In an unrelated development, controversy has arisen in Bangladesh’s women’s cricket, highlighting governance concerns. A letter allegedly submitted to the National Sports Council (NSC) contained the signature of cricketer Riya Akter, claiming certain grievances. However, Riya has publicly denied issuing the letter, revealing that her signature had been forged.
In a statement on Facebook, Riya clarified: “I did not issue this letter. The signature on it is not mine. Someone forged my signature and sent the letter in my name. I do not know who sent it. I posted this to publicly set the record straight and to provide a sample of my official signature as proof.”
The incident has sparked questions regarding transparency and accountability in women’s cricket administration in Bangladesh. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) maintains that its selection process remains fair, the emergence of a forged complaint underscores the need for more robust procedures to prevent misuse of official channels.