New Delhi: Khushdil Shah of Pakistan faced a penalty of 50% of his match fees on Monday due to a Level 2 violation of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday.
The ICC determined that Khushdil breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other individual (including a spectator during an International Match)."
The incident occurred in the 8th over of Pakistan's innings when Khushdil collided with bowler Zakary Foulkes. This action was categorized as 'inappropriate physical contact with a high degree of force' and was considered 'reckless, negligent, and avoidable.'
Khushdil accepted the penalties imposed by the umpires and Match Referee Jeff Crowe, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
In addition to the fine, Khushdil received three demerit points on his disciplinary record, marking his first offense in the past 24 months.
If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points. Two suspension points result in a ban from either one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, whichever occurs first for the player.
Sunday was a disappointing day for Pakistan, as they were dismissed for a mere 91 runs in Salman Ali Agha's debut match as the full-time T20I captain.
New Zealand's fast-bowling pair, Jacob Duffy (4/14) and Kyle Jamieson (3/8), dismantled Pakistan's revamped batting order. Khushdil emerged as the top scorer with 32 runs, while only captain Agha (18) and Jahandad Khan (17) managed to score in double digits.
In reply, New Zealand secured a straightforward victory, highlighted by Tim Seifert's explosive 44 off just 29 balls. Although Abrar Ahmed took Seifert's wicket at the conclusion of the Powerplay, the damage was already significant. Finn Allen (29 not out) and Tim Robinson (18 not out) effectively led the Black Caps to victory, finishing with nine wickets remaining and 59 balls to spare, thus taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
