Fakhar Zaman Fined 10% of Match Fee for Showing Dissent in Tri-Series Final

Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman has been fined 10% of his match fee and issued one demerit point after being found guilty of breaching level 1 of the ICC code of conduct during the tri-series final against Sri Lanka on November 29. 

As per the ICC release, Fakhar was found to have breached Article 2.8, which deals with “showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match.” He pleaded guilty and accepted the punishment offered by the match referee, and there was no need to have a formal hearing.

The play occurred in the 19th over when Fakhar turned to back-pedal off short third, leapt, and appeared to take a gorgeous catch off the leading edge of Dasun Shanaka. The third umpire reviewed the decision and ruled that the ball had made contact with the ground when Fakhar was diving, and ruled it not out. As both Fakhar and Shaheen Shah Afridi visibly disagreed, they both expressed their displeasure towards the on-field umpires.

In the very next delivery, Shanaka played across the line and was bowled. Fakhar responded by casting a disdainful glance at the umpire and made a sarcastic appeal, further highlighting the fact that he was not pleased with the previous decision.

When Sri Lanka disintegrated dramatically, losing 9 for 30, and were bowled out for 114, Pakistan ultimately won the final by six wickets. Babar Azam led the chase with an unbeaten 37, which led Pakistan to an 18.4 overs victory.

This was Fakhar’s first offence in 24 months. Under ICC regulations, Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50% of a player’s match fee and can result in one or two demerit points.