The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah for breaching the code of conduct during their first T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Sunday.
Khushdil has been penalised 50% of his match fee for a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
According to the ICC, the south-paw violated Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for player and player support Personnel.
This article relates “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 took place during the 8th over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil collided forcefully with bowler Zakary Foulkes from behind.
This action was categorized as ‘inappropriate physical contact with significant force’ and was considered ‘reckless, negligent, and preventable.’
Khushdil Shah accepted the sanctions levelled by the umpires and Match Referee Jeff Crowe, as a result of which there was no need for a formal hearing,” the ICC stated in a statement.
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Khushdil has received three demerit points added to his disciplinary record for his first offence within a 24-month period.
It is important to note that if a player accumulates four or more demerit points within this timeframe, those points are converted into suspension points.
Two suspension points lead to a ban from either one Test match, two One Day Internationals (ODIs), or two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), depending on which type of match occurs first for the player.
It is worth noting here that Khushdil Shah remained the top-scorer for Pakistan in the first T20I, in which they were bowled out for just 91 in 18.4 overs.
The Pakistan cricket team’s openers scored ducks, while seven of their batters failed to reach double-digit in the game.
In response, New Zealand chased down the 92-run target with nine wickets and 59 balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
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