Pakistan captain receives a 10 per cent match-fee fine and a demerit point for a gesture following Shafali Verma’s dismissal….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during her side’s Women’s Asia Cup Group A match against India in Dubai.
The International Cricket Council said Fatima was found guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, relating to the use of language, actions or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following dismissal.
The incident occurred during the second over of India’s innings when Fatima dismissed opener Shafali Verma. Verma, who had started aggressively while chasing Pakistan’s modest target, chipped the ball back to the bowler.
After completing the catch, Fatima gestured towards the pavilion, an action that led to the disciplinary charge.
In addition to the financial penalty, one demerit point was added to Fatima’s disciplinary record. It was her second offence within a 24-month period, taking her tally to two demerit points.
Her previous demerit point was incurred during a T20 International against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.
Fatima admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, meaning a formal hearing was not required.
Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct can result in anything from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
The sanction came despite a strong individual bowling performance from the Pakistan captain in an otherwise disappointing match for her side.
India bowled Pakistan out for just 55 before comfortably completing the chase to secure a seven-wicket victory. Fatima provided the main resistance with the ball, claiming three wickets, including that of Shafali.
Pakistan will now turn their attention to their final group-stage fixture against Hong Kong, China. A victory would secure their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup.
