PAK vs SL: Babar Azam Slapped With Hefty Fine By ICC, Handed One Demerit Point, Here's Why

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI: Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam was fined 10 per cent of his match fee and handed a demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI against Sri Lanka.

The fine was levelled on Babar after he had an agitated reaction on his dismissal, hitting the stumps with his bat in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings.

The 31-year-old breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match."

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In addition, a demerit point has been counted to his penal record, making it a first offence for Babar in 24 months.

The incident took place in the 21st over of Pakistan's innings when the 31-year-old struck the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease.

On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi levelled the charge while Ali Naqvi of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees proposed the sanction.

"The Pakistan batter admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction, negating the need for a formal hearing," the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.

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Level 1 violations 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.

Pakistan went on to make a series sweep over Sri Lanka with Babar leading the charge with bat, scoring 165 runs -- most in the series -- which included a 20th ODI ton.

(With PTI Inputs)