The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized Afghanistan’s veteran Mohammad Nabi for his conduct during the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against South Africa. According to an ICC statement, the experienced all-rounder has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
The Proteas defeated Afghanistan in a double Super Over thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 11. After consecutive wins, South Africa moved to second place in the Group D points table. Meanwhile, Afghanistan are on the verge of elimination after two defeats.
Mohammed Nabi argued with umpires over Lungi Ngidi’s wristband
During Afghanistan’s innings against South Africa, Mohammad Nabi had a heated argument with the on-field umpires. The incident occurred at the beginning of the 14th over when Lungi Ngidi was about to bowl.
Nabi stopped the game after objecting to Ngidi wearing yellow wristbands on both his wrists. The Afghanistan all-rounder argued that the shiny bands were distracting and made it difficult for him to pick up the white ball.
The discussion became lively, the Prophet refused to back down. Ngidi eventually removed a wristband to defuse the situation. Before the resumption of play, South African captain Aiden Markram stepped in to calm the matter.
The umpires initially sided with the batsman, while Aiden Markram was heard urging Ngidi to keep his wristband on and continue bowling.
“It’s okay [use it]sy p*es man, gebruik dit, gebruik dit, sy p*es! (Use it, man, use it, use it – damn it!)
Sound On https://t.co/y9BR2cb2aI pic.twitter.com/XwZfK94zld
– Eames (@NaeemahBenjamin) 11 February 2026
Mohammad Nabi fined 15 percent of match fee for violation of code of conduct
On Tuesday 12 February, the ICC announced that Mohammad Nabi has been fined 15 percent of his match fee. According to the official release, Nabi was found guilty of violating Article 2.4 and one demerit point was added.
“Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match against South Africa,” the statement said.
“Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘disobedience to the umpire’s instructions during an international match’.”
Afghanistan lose double Super Over thriller despite dramatic finish
Chasing 188 runs, Afghanistan were all out for 187 runs, forcing the game to go into a super over. Fazalhaq Farooqui was run out at the non-striker’s end with two runs needed on the last ball.
Notably, the first Super Over also ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 17 runs each. Tristan Stubbs hit a six off the last ball when seven runs were needed, sending the match into a second super over.
In the second super over, South Africa scored 23 runs which created problems for Afghanistan. After the dismissal of Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit six sixes in a row.
Afghanistan lost by only three runs as Gurbaz was caught out on the last ball. Lungi Ngidi took three wickets in stipulated time and was named player of the match.
Also read: Dale Steyn exposes Pakistan’s poor performance in the World Cup against India
