The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed fines on Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, batsman Saud Shakeel, and substitute Kamran Ghulam for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the ongoing tri-nation series in Karachi. The penalties were handed out following an intense match between Pakistan and South Africa that saw tempers flare on the field.
Shaheen Afridi has been fined 25% of his match fee, while both Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam have been penalized 10% of their match fees. In addition to the fines, all three players have received one demerit point for their actions during the match.
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The incident occurred in the 28th over when South African batter Matthew Breetzke attempted a quick single, leading to a collision with Shaheen Afridi. The Pakistani pacer reacted aggressively, exchanging words with Breetzke and contributing to a heated moment between the two sides.
Tensions escalated further in the next over after Saud Shakeel ran out South African captain Temba Bavuma. Both Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam celebrated in an aggressive manner, with Ghulam confronting Bavuma while Shakeel blocked his path and shouted, heightening the confrontation.
According to the ICC, Afridi was penalized for deliberately obstructing Breetzke, engaging in inappropriate physical contact, and verbally arguing with him. Shakeel and Ghulam, on the other hand, were fined for excessive and confrontational celebrations.
With rising tensions in the tri-nation series, the ICC’s disciplinary actions serve as a reminder to maintain sportsmanship and control on the field.
