In a heated encounter between Pakistan and South Africa in the ongoing tri-series in Karachi, three Pakistan players—Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam—have been fined and handed a demerit point each for separate Level 1 breaches of the ICC’s code of conduct. The infractions occurred during Pakistan’s successful chase of 352 against South Africa on Wednesday.
Afridi Penalized for Physical Contact
Shaheen Afridi has been fined 25% of his match fee for breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC’s code of conduct, which pertains to “inappropriate physical contact” with another player. The incident took place in the 28th over of South Africa’s innings when Afridi stepped into the path of batter Matthew Breetzke as he attempted a run. This led to an exchange of words and physical contact between the two players.
The confrontation had been brewing from the previous delivery when Breetzke, after defending the ball, made a gesture with his bat, prompting Afridi to walk down the pitch and exchange words. The umpires intervened quickly. On the last ball of the over, as Breetzke attempted a single, Afridi moved towards him, leading to an unavoidable collision before the batter completed his run.
Shakeel and Ghulam Fined for Provocative Celebrations
Saud Shakeel and substitute fielder Kamran Ghulam were fined 10% of their match fees for “celebrating too closely” to South Africa’s Temba Bavuma following his run-out in the 29th over. Their actions breached Article 2.5 of the code, which prohibits “using language, actions or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter.”
Neither Afridi, Shakeel, nor Ghulam had any prior demerit points before this match.
Pakistan Clinch Historic Chase
Despite the disciplinary actions, Pakistan emerged victorious, successfully chasing down South Africa’s imposing 352 for 5 with an over to spare. This marked Pakistan’s first successful chase of 350-plus in ODI history and secured their place in the final of the tri-series, where they will
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