Pakistan captain Fatima Sana receives a 10 percent match-fee fine and one demerit point following her gesture after dismissing Shafali Verma.
Pakistan women’s captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 percent of her match fee and handed one demerit point after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women’s Asia Cup match against India. The incident occurred during Pakistan’s group-stage clash with India in Dubai on September 5.
The incident took place after Sana dismissed India opener Shafali Verma. Having completed a caught-and-bowled dismissal, Sana gestured towards the pavilion in the direction of the departing batter. The ICC determined that the gesture breached Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct, which covers language, actions or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.
Sana admitted the offence, resulting in a Level 1 sanction. Along with the 10 percent fine, one demerit point was added to her disciplinary record. The point is particularly significant because it represents her second offence within a 24-month period.
The incident came during a difficult match for Pakistan. India bowled Pakistan out for just 55 before completing a seven-wicket victory in only 8.4 overs. Sana nevertheless made an impact with the ball, taking three wickets for 17 runs as Pakistan attempted to fight back after their disappointing batting performance.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan remained in contention for the semi-finals because of their other group-stage results. The team subsequently responded strongly against Hong Kong, winning by 72 runs to secure their place in the final four. Nashra Sundhu’s record-breaking six-wicket haul was the highlight of that victory.
The disciplinary decision does not prevent Sana from continuing to lead Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Her focus will now turn toward the semi-final against Sri Lanka, where Pakistan will need a much more complete performance if they are to progress to the final.
Level 1 offences under the ICC Code of Conduct can carry a reprimand, a fine of up to 50 percent of a player’s match fee and one or two demerit points. Sana’s sanction therefore falls within the established range for such offences.
The Pakistan captain will now be keen to put the incident behind her and concentrate on the knockout stage. With the Asia Cup title still within reach, Sana’s leadership and all-round contribution will remain important to Pakistan’s hopes of making a deep run in the tournament.
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