Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman will forfeit ten per cent of his match fee and carry one demerit point after falling foul of the ICC’s code of conduct during last week’s tri-series final against Sri Lanka.
The flash-point came in the 19th over. Fakhar, patrolling short third, back-peddled hard, dived full length and appeared—at first glance—to have clutched a remarkable catch off Dasun Shanaka. On-field umpires sent it upstairs. Replays suggested the ball grazed the turf as Fakhar landed, and the third umpire ruled “not out”.
Article 2.8 of the code, “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”, was quickly invoked. Fakhar and bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi protested; a wry, theatrical appeal from Fakhar followed next ball, once Shanaka lost his off stump.
“He admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee, so there was no need for a formal hearing,” an ICC release confirmed. The same statement noted that level-one breaches carry anything from an official reprimand up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, plus one or two demerit points. This is Fakhar’s first such mark inside the current 24-month window.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, speaking on local television, felt the punishment was fair enough. “Emotions run high, but players know the line,” he said. “You take the decision, swallow it, and move on.”
The incident did little to derail Pakistan. Sri Lanka, 84 for 1 at one stage, imploded to 114 all out—losing 9 for 30 once Shaheen and Mohammad Wasim found rhythm. Babar Azam’s measured, unbeaten 37 then steered the chase; victory arrived with eight balls unused and six wickets intact.
Tri-series points and prize money settled, Pakistan now head to Dhaka for a short T20I tour. Fakhar will do so lighter in pocket, yet wiser about gesturing towards the umpires—something the ICC clearly wants stamped out.
