Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has been heavily fined by the ICC for breaching the Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. Naib was found guilty of showing dissent towards an umpire's decision during Afghanistan's 50-run victory.
ICC slaps Gulbadin Naib with hefty fine for breaching code of conduct
For this offense, Naib, who was recently released by Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2025 and also remained unsold in the mega auction, has been fined and received a demerit point. This is his first offense within a 24-month period. Naib admitted the offence and accepted the ICC's proposed sanction.
Notably, Naib has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. The incident occurred in the 11th over of Zimbabwe's innings when Naib expressed dissent towards an umpire's decision regarding an LBW appeal against Tashinga Musekiwa.
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Naib's actions violated Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits showing dissent at an umpire's decision. In addition to the fine, he has also been awarded a demerit point, marking his first offense within a 24-month period. Naib acknowledged his wrongdoing and accepted the proposed sanction, avoiding a formal hearing.
Naib, the former Afghan captain, displayed frustration towards the umpire's decision by mockingly bowing in a prayer-like gesture and requesting a review, despite the absence of DRS in the match. Despite this incident, Afghanistan secured a dominant victory in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, leveling the series. The decisive third match is scheduled for December 14th at the Harare Sports Club.
Gulbadin himself contributed to the win with a valuable knock of 28 runs off 21 balls. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, who claimed three wickets, praised Darwish Rasooli's match-winning 58-run innings.
Meanwhile, right after the match Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan said:
“The area we still struggled a bit was the top order; the way Darwish Rasooli came and played was really impressive. That's a position we have struggled with. Compared to today, in the last game we gave away a lot of runs.”
“It's a big ground to one side, and we have to adjust quickly; not many sixes were hit today, and that day as well, it's how you play down the ground and play proper cricketing shots. It's not impossible to score more runs at the end, and it's crucial to adapt to the conditions. Later on it gets easier to score,” he added.
Meanwhile, the series decider between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe was played on December 14. Batting first Zimbabwe post a paltry total of 127, thanks to Rashid Khan's fantastic four-fer. In reply, Afghanistan are well on course of victory with 108/5 at the end of 15 overs.
