Pakistan pacers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas have faced disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council following breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during the opening Test against the West Indies in Tarouba. Both fast bowlers were cited under Article 2.5, which penalizes the use of language, gestures, or actions intended to disparage or provoke a reaction from a dismissed batter.
ICC punishes Khurram, Abbas with big fines, demerit points
The sanctions vary in severity: Khurram received a fine equal to 15 percent of his match fee, while Abbas was issued a formal reprimand. Additionally, the ICC added one demerit point to each player's disciplinary record. Because neither bowler had accumulated any offenses over the preceding 24 months, these mark the first demerit points on their respective records.
The specific incidents occurred during key moments of the West Indies' second innings. Khurram Shahzad drew his fine after an overly aggressive celebration directed at Shai Hope in the 17th over, which officials determined could have provoked the departing batter. Later in the match, Mohammad Abbas was penalized for an overly animated celebration in close proximity to Jomel Warrican after claiming the final wicket of the innings.
Charges were officially brought forward by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Richard Kettleborough alongside third umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal. Since both Pakistani bowlers conceded to the infractions and accepted the penalties outlined by ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe, formal disciplinary hearings were deemed unnecessary. Under ICC regulations, Level 1 violations carry penalties ranging from a stern reprimand up to a 50 percent match fee fine, along with one or two demerit points.
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Pakistan lose 1st Test to West Indies
The ICC’s disciplinary sanctions came on the heels of a tough 90-run defeat for Pakistan, who dropped the opening match of the two-test series to the West Indies on Day 4. The historic fixture—marking the first-ever Test match played at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Cricket Academy—was sealed by a commanding performance from the Caribbean fast-bowling unit, handing the hosts a 1-0 series advantage.
This setback extends a troubling stretch for Pakistan, marking their eighth straight Test loss on foreign soil. The visitors will have a chance to regroup and attempt to draw the series level when the second and final Test gets underway at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain on August 2.