Babar Azam Fined for ICC Code of Conduct Breach in ODI Series

Pakistan’s Babar Azam was fined 10 percent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Pakistan batting star Babar Azam has been fined for a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred during the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka.

Azam was found guilty of a Level 1 offence. He was fined 10 percent of his match fee. One demerit point was also added to his disciplinary record. This is his first offence in a 24-month period.

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The breach was for violating Article 2.2 of the code. This article relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”

The Incident and Sanction

The specific incident took place in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings. After being dismissed, Babar hit the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease.

The on-field umpires, third umpire, and fourth umpire all levelled the charge. The proposed sanction came from match referee Ali Naqvi.

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Babar Azam admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction. This meant a formal hearing was not required. For Level 1 breaches, the minimum penalty is an official reprimand. The maximum is a 50 percent match fee fine and two demerit points.

Despite the incident, Pakistan completed a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka. Babar was the leading run-scorer in the series with 165 runs. This included his record 20th ODI century.