Pak’s Khushdil fined 50% of match fee for collision with Foulkes
The ongoing T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand has taken an interesting turn, with Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah being fined 50% of his match fee for colliding with New Zealand all-rounder Zakary Foulkes during the eighth over of Pakistan’s innings in the first T20I in Christchurch. This incident has sparked controversy, and fans are eagerly waiting to know more about the details of the breach.
According to reports, the collision occurred when Khushdil was attempting to take a catch, and Foulkes was batting at the other end. Khushdil’s action resulted in Foulkes being momentarily knocked off balance, and the umpires deemed the incident as a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. The on-field umpires, Chris Gaffaney and Wayne Knights, reported the incident to the match referee, Phil Jones, who subsequently charged Khushdil with breaching Article 2.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to “Actions which disrupt or disturb the opponent or any other participant in the match.”
The incident was reviewed by the match referee, who deemed Khushdil’s actions as intentional and reckless, thereby breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. As a result, Khushdil was handed three demerit points and fined 50% of his match fee. However, since Khushdil accepted the sanctions, a formal hearing wasn’t required.
This incident has raised questions about the level of aggression and sportsmanship displayed by the players in modern-day cricket. While collisions are a common occurrence in the heat of the moment, they often lead to more serious injuries and can have a significant impact on the game. The ICC has taken a strong stance against such incidents, and players who breach the code of conduct can face severe penalties.
Khushdil’s collision with Foulkes is not the first instance of a player being fined for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. In recent years, several high-profile players have faced sanctions for similar offenses. Player conduct has become a major talking point in the cricket world, with the ICC and the player associations working together to promote a culture of respect and sportsmanship.
In the context of the ongoing T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand, this incident has added an extra layer of tension to the proceedings. Pakistan will be looking to bounce back from this setback and take the series by the scruff of its neck, while New Zealand will be eager to capitalize on the momentum and take a 2-0 lead.
As fans, we are left to wonder whether the ICC’s strict stance on player conduct is a positive step towards promoting a more respectful and sporting atmosphere in the game. While some may argue that the ICC is being too harsh, others believe that it is essential to maintain a high level of discipline and respect on the field.
In conclusion, Khushdil’s fine is a reminder that players need to be mindful of their actions on the field and adhere to the ICC Code of Conduct. While collisions may be an unfortunate part of the game, they can have serious consequences and can disrupt the flow of the match. As the Pakistan and New Zealand teams gear up for the remaining matches in the T20I series, fans will be eagerly watching to see how this incident unfolds and what impact it has on the competition.
