Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman Penalised By ICC With Heavy Fine For Breaching Code Of Conduct

Pakistan's senior opener Fakhar Zaman has been punished by the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a 10 per cent fine for breaching Level 1 of its Code of Conduct during the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka on 29 November.

The punishment has come after an incident that took place in Pakistan’s innings, during which Zaman reacted angrily to an on-field decision that led to his dismissal. He was dismissed by Pavan Rathnayake for 3 runs. According to the ICC, Zaman breached Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, as per which "showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match" is a punishable offence.

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During the 19th over of Pakistan's innings, Fakhar was involved in a big argument with the on-field umpires, challenging the decision that cost him his wicket. His visible frustration and continued dissent were considered to have crossed the line set by the sport’s disciplinary standards.

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Apart from the financial penalty, Zaman has received one demerit point, the first on his record within the past 24 months. "Zaman admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Reon King of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing," it added. Notably, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Talking about the match, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final to clinch the Tri-Series 2025. The low-scoring contest saw Pakistan chasing down the 115-run target on the back of Babar Azam's unbeaten knock of 37 runs, whereas Saim Ayub came up with a 36-run contribution. The victory made a total of 21 wins for Pakistan in 34 matches in 2025, the most they have won in a calendar year.

Pakistan's next assignment will be a three-match T20I series away from home against Sri Lanka, which begins on January 7. The matches will take place in Dambulla.