Pakistan’s Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fees for a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch.
According to the ICC, Khushdil violated Article 2.12 of the Code of Conduct, which concerns “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).”
The incident occurred in the 8th over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil barged into bowler Zakary Foulkes from behind. The act was categorized as “inappropriate physical contact with a high degree of force” and was deemed “reckless, negligent and avoidable.”
Khushdil accepted the sanctions imposed by the umpires and Match Referee Jeff Crowe, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. In addition to the fine, he received three demerit points on his disciplinary record, marking his first offence in the last 24 months.
As per ICC regulations, accumulating four or more demerit points within 24 months results in suspension points, which can lead to a ban from either one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, depending on the player’s upcoming fixtures.
Pakistan had a disappointing match, getting bowled out for just 91 in Salman Ali Agha’s first game as full-time T20I captain. Jacob Duffy (4/14) and Kyle Jamieson (3/8) dismantled Pakistan’s batting order. Khushdil was the top scorer with 32, while only captain Agha (18) and Jahandad Khan (17) reached double digits.
New Zealand chased the target comfortably, led by Tim Seifert’s explosive 44 off 29 balls. Despite Abrar Ahmed dismissing Seifert, Finn Allen (29*) and Tim Robinson (18*) ensured a smooth finish, sealing a nine-wicket victory with 59 balls to spare. The Black Caps now lead the five-match series 1-0.