Pakistan's explosive batter Fakhar Zaman has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching a Level 1 offense of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka on November 29. Specifically, Zaman breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to "showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match."
Why ICC fined Fakhar Zaman?
The charge against Fakhar Zaman originated from events that took place during the 19th over of the match, where the left-handed batter engaged in a prolonged argument with the on-field umpires. This dispute was in direct challenge to the verdict that resulted in him losing his wicket. His visible frustration and continued contestation of the decision were ultimately judged to have transgressed the standards set by the sport’s disciplinary code.
Fakhar Zaman punished for breaching ICC's Code of Conduct
Besides being fined 10 per cent of his match fee, Zaman has also incurred one demerit point, marking the first such point on his record within the past 24 months. These demerit points remain active for a two-year period; should a player accumulate four or more within that time, they face suspension points, which can lead to bans from upcoming matches across various formats. While Zaman’s current tally poses no immediate risk of suspension, the addition of this point serves as a formal warning under the established ICC disciplinary procedures.
Zaman admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Reon King of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, thereby negating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was formally leveled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob, along with third umpire Rashid Riaz and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi. It is noted that Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from a minimum official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, along with the imposition of one or two demerit points.
Level 1 offenses represent the mildest category of infractions under the ICC Code of Conduct; however, they still carry significant consequences for the players involved. Penalties for these breaches can range from a minimum punishment of an official reprimand to substantial fines that may amount to 50 per cent of a player's match fee. Furthermore, depending on the severity of the infraction, players also face the potential addition of one or two demerit points to their disciplinary record.