Pakistan national cricket team’s disappointing start in the ongoing two-match Test series against West Indies has become even more embarrassing after the International Cricket Council (ICC) took disciplinary action against Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad.
Soon after suffering a crushing 90-run defeat in the first Test, Pakistani fast bowlers Abbas and Khurram landed into trouble due to their poor behavior during the match against West Indies. Meanwhile, will Abdullah Shafeeq or Saud Shakeel play in the West Indies vs Pakistan 2nd Test? Sarfaraz Ahmed answers.
ICC took action against Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad
The ICC has fined Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test match against the West Indies. Along with the fine, both the players were also given one demerit point each.
The ICC said in an official statement, “Khurram was fined 15 per cent of his match fee, and Abbas was given an official reprimand for breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘using language, actions or gestures that are likely to elicit an insulting or offensive response to a batsman when he is out during an international match.'”
In addition, one demerit point each was added to the players’ disciplinary records, both of whom had no previous offenses within a 24-month period.
Why did ICC punish Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas?
Pakistan fast bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas were penalized by the ICC for the way they celebrated their wickets during the first Test against West Indies.
Khurram was found guilty after making an inappropriate gesture following the dismissal of West Indies batsman Shai Hope. When he dismissed Hope in the 17th over of West Indies’ second innings, he came so close to him aggressively. The ICC felt that the fast bowler’s celebration could have angered Hope as he had an angry expression on his face.
Later in the match, Abbas also celebrated the wicket of Jomel Warrican in an animated manner and faced criticism from the ICC. After taking the last wicket of the innings, the Pakistani fast bowler angrily went so close to Warrican that he violated the rules.
Pakistani fast bowlers avoid listening!
However, both Khurram and Abbas pleaded guilty and agreed to the punishment handed down by match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
The charges were filed by on-field umpires Alex Wharfe and Richard Kettleborough as well as third umpire Jayaraman Madangopal. Meanwhile, Mohammad Aamir has raised questions on making Babar Azam the Test captain of Pakistan.
When can a player be banned?
A Level 1 offense can result in an official warning, a fine of up to 50% of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points on the player’s disciplinary record.
Well, if a player gets four or more demerit points within two years, those points are converted into suspension points and the player can be banned. Two suspension points means the player will miss one Test match or two ODIs or two T20 matches, whichever comes first. Demerit points remain on the player’s record for 24 months and are removed after that period.
