Babar Azam ICC Penalty: Pakistan Captain Fined for Equipment Abuse After Afghanistan ODI Incident

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized Pakistan’s star batter and captain Babar Azam for breaching the code of conduct during the ODI match against Afghanistan. The Babar Azam ICC penalty includes a deduction of his match fees after he was found guilty of abuse of cricket equipment.

According to the ICC, no formal hearing was required as Babar accepted the charge immediately.

Why Was Babar Azam Fined?

The incident occurred during Pakistan’s clash against Afghanistan when Babar expressed frustration after losing his wicket. In a moment of anger, he was seen hitting the boundary skirting with his bat—an action that violates ICC’s rules related to the misuse of equipment.

The ICC confirmed that he breached Article 2.2, which deals with actions that show dissent or frustration through inappropriate physical contact with equipment.

No Formal Hearing Required

As per ICC’s official statement, match referee Richie Richardson imposed the sanction directly.

Since the offense was a Level 1 breach, and Babar Azam accepted the decision, a formal hearing was not required.

This adds to the list of disciplinary actions taken against international cricketers for similar emotional outbursts during high-pressure matches.

How Does the Penalty Affect Babar Azam?

  • Match fees deducted (exact percentage based on ICC Level 1 guidelines)
  • One demerit point added to his disciplinary record
  • No suspension or ban since it was a minor offense

Despite the penalty, Babar remains eligible for upcoming matches and training commitments with the Pakistan cricket team.

Fans React to the Decision

Cricket fans have shown mixed reactions online. Many support the ICC’s strict enforcement of rules, while others believe players should be given leeway during high-stakes games.

Regardless, the incident draws attention to the growing emphasis on player behavior and the importance of maintaining decorum on the field.

………….

FAQs

1. Why was Babar Azam fined by the ICC?
  • He was fined for breaching the ICC code of conduct by abusing cricket equipment during the ODI against Afghanistan.
2. Was Babar Azam suspended?
  • No, he only received a match-fee deduction and one demerit point.
3. Which ICC rule did Babar violate?
  • He breached Article 2.2 related to inappropriate physical contact with cricket equipment.
4. Did ICC hold a formal hearing?
  • No, a hearing wasn’t needed because Babar accepted the charge.
5. Does this penalty affect his future matches?
  • No, Babar Azam remains fully available for upcoming international fixtures.

DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP

DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP