Fatima Sana Fined by ICC for Fiery Send-Off to Shafali Verma

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been handed a 10 percent fine and one demerit point by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a Level 1 Code of Conduct violation during the Women’s Asia Cup.

The punishment relates to Sana’s reaction after dismissing India opener Shafali Verma in Dubai on Saturday. The Pakistan captain admitted the offence, meaning the case did not require a formal hearing.

Fatima Sana fined under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal”. The offence occurred when Sana gestured towards the pavilion after completing a caught-and-bowled dismissal of Verma.

Verma had made 12 from six balls before Sana ended her brief innings. India, chasing a modest target, recovered quickly and completed a seven-wicket victory to extend their unbeaten run in the tournament.

The latest penalty is particularly significant because it is Sana’s second offence within a 24-month period. Her previous violation came during Pakistan’s T20I against Ireland in August 2025, resulting in another entry on her disciplinary record.

Under the ICC’s Level 1 regulations, players can receive an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 percent of their match fee, and one or two demerit points depending on the breach.

Sana’s punishment comes with Pakistan still having work to do in the group stage. They are scheduled to face Hong Kong in their final match, while India have already secured a semi-final place after taking six points from three games.

India remains the dominant side in the tournament’s history, having won the Asia Cup seven times. Pakistan are yet to claim the title and have finished runners-up twice, in 2012 and 2016.