Decorum on the Pitch: Babar Azam Fined by ICC for Code of Conduct Breach
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken disciplinary action against Pakistan’s premier batsman, Babar Azam, for a breach of the Code of Conduct during the recently concluded One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka. Babar has been handed a fine of 10% of his match fee and an official demerit point following an incident in the third and final match of the series in Rawalpindi.
11/19/20251 min read
The Incident: Frustration Crosses the Line
The infraction occurred during the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings in the third ODI. After being dismissed, a visibly frustrated Babar Azam reacted in a manner that crossed the line of acceptable conduct.
The specific offense relates to Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which strictly prohibits the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match." Sources confirm that the batsman struck the stumps with his bat before making his way back to the pavilion.
This action, driven by momentary disappointment, falls under a Level 1 breach—a category of offense that deals primarily with dissent or inappropriate behavior that undermines the spirit of the game.
The Penalty and the Demerit System
The sanction was imposed by Match Referee Ali Naqvi of the ICC International Panel, who reviewed the charge leveled by the on-field and third umpires. Importantly, Babar admitted to the offense and accepted the penalty, which negated the need for a formal hearing.
The penalty includes:
A 10% deduction from his match fee.
The addition of one demerit point to his disciplinary record.
This marks the first demerit point for the former Pakistan captain in the current 24-month period. Under ICC rules, accumulating four or more demerit points within this two-year window leads to a suspension, underscoring the severity with which the ICC views repeated breaches of the code.
Upholding the Spirit of Cricket
While Babar Azam had an otherwise stellar series, finishing as the leading run-scorer and breaking his long-standing century drought, the ICC’s swift action serves as a crucial reminder. No matter the level of frustration or the stature of the player, upholding the highest standards of behavior and respecting the rules and equipment of the game is non-negotiable in international cricket.
The ruling reaffirms the ICC’s commitment to maintaining disciplinary standards and ensuring that the “Spirit of Cricket” remains paramount, even amidst high-stakes competition.