Babar Azam Fined for Breaking Stumps, Receives Demerit Point

RAWALPINDI: Babar Azam, the number 1 batter of Pakistan, was fined 10% of his match fee due to an unsporting act during the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka. After being dismissed, he hit the stumps with his bat and walked off the crease.  

Babar was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match."

Along with the fine, he got a demerit point against his disciplinary list. This is his first offence within 24 months. The event occurred during the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings when Babar was on 34 runs, and Jeffrey Vandersay bowled him down.  

On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz raised the charge with the assistance of third-umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth-umpire Faisal Afridi. The sanction was suggested by Ali Naqvi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.  

Since Babar had agreed to pay the fine and the charge, it was not necessary to have a formal hearing. He was still instrumental in the 3 0 series sweep by Pakistan, becoming the highest scorer with 165 runs, including a 20th ODI century, despite the penalty.  

His next international trip is the upcoming home T20I tri-series, in which Pakistan will be playing Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, starting on Tuesday.