ICC: Pakistan’s victory over South Africa in the final group match of the tri-series has been overshadowed by disciplinary issues involving three of its players: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and substitute fielder Kamran Ghulam. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to impose fines and demerit points on these players for breaching the code of conduct during the game, held at Karachi Stadium.
Shaheen Afridi’s Disciplinary Breach, Fined by ICC
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Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s star pacer, was fined 25% of his match fee for violating ICC’s Article 2.12, which pertains to unsportsmanlike physical contact with an opposing player. In the 28th over of South Africa’s innings, Shaheen intentionally blocked batsman Matthew Breetzke from running.
The act resulted in a physical confrontation between the two players, which was observed by the on-field umpires. This led to a heated exchange of words between Shaheen and Breetzke. The act, which was regarded as unsporting behavior, was noticed by the ICC, and the fast bowler was fined for the same.
Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam’s Unsportsmanlike Celebration
In the very next over itself, Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam were again involved in an unsporting act, this time against South African captain Temba Bavuma. Both the players were observed celebrating inappropriately close to Bavuma, who was standing a little outside his crease and was then run out.
Their behavior was considered to be a breach of Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which regulates players’ behavior on the field. Shakeel and Ghulam were each fined 10% of their match fee for their inappropriate celebration.
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Fines and Demerit Points Imposed
Along with the fine, all three players—Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam—were also given **one demerit point** each for their violations of the ICC Code of Conduct. The ICC released an official statement confirming the punishments and emphasizing that such behavior on the field is not appreciated, reiterating the need to preserve the spirit of the game.
Pakistan Wins Final Spot Amid Controversy
The game itself was an exciting one, with Pakistan and South Africa competing for a place in the final. South Africa made a daunting total of 352 runs. The highest scorers for South Africa were skipper Temba Bavuma, who scored 82 runs, Matthew Breetzke, who added 83 runs, and Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 87 runs.
Pakistan’s run-chase did not begin well, losing three wickets for a mere 91 runs. But thanks to a stunning 260-run stand between captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Aga, the match took a positive turn for Pakistan. The batting gem of the day was Aga, who amassed a whopping 134 runs, with Rizwan also not out on 122 runs. Through their efforts, Pakistan chased the target successfully, winning by 6 wickets.
Tomorrow Ahead: Pakistan vs New Zealand in the Final
In spite of the controversy over the behavior of three players, Pakistan will now play New Zealand in the tri-series final. The incident, though, overshadows their win and emphasizes the need to keep oneself disciplined and sportive, on and off the field. The ICC’s quick response against the players clearly shows that it takes a serious stand on maintaining the integrity of the game.
This move by the ICC is a reminder that while competitiveness is necessary, respect for the opponent and the game rules must always be upheld.
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