Afghanistan cricketer Gulbadin Naib has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday.
Gulbadin violated Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.”
As a result, one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. This marks Gulbadin’s first offence in a 24-month period.
The incident occurred during the 11th over of Zimbabwe’s innings when an LBW appeal against Tashinga Musekiwa was turned down off Rashid Khan’s bowling. Gulbadin expressed dissent by bowing mockingly in prayer and appealing for a review, despite DRS not being available for the match.
Naib admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Langton Rusere and Forster Mutizwa, third umpire Iknow Chabi, and fourth umpire Percival Sizara.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of the match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Meanwhile, ahead of the third and final game of the T20I series, the Afghan skipper opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Afghanistan made a change to their XI, bringing back left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi in place of Fareed Ahmad, while Zimbabwe replaced Ryan Burl with Faraz Akram.
The series has been a closely contested affair. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, claimed victory in the first match in a thrilling last-ball finish. However, Afghanistan, under Rashid Khan’s leadership, bounced back in the second T20I to level the series and set up an exciting decider.