Shafali Verma had a memorable outing in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, finishing as India’s top scorer and winning the Player of the Match award. However, the Indian opener has now landed in trouble with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching its code of conduct during the match.

The ICC confirmed the disciplinary action in a statement, adding one demerit point to Shafali’s record. It was her first offence in the last 24 months.

Why Did ICC Punish Shafali Verma?

According to the ICC, Shafali breached Article 2.2 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The rule covers the misuse or abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment and fixtures during an international match.

The incident happened the 12th over of India’s innings in the second T20I on Sunday, October 18, in Raipur.

Shafali dropped a catch at mid-off off Sree Charani’s bowling when Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano was batting. Frustrated by the missed opportunity, the Rohtak-born cricketer threw the ball into the ground.

ALSO READ: India Batter Sends Strong Message To Selectors With Ranji Trophy Century After New Zealand Squad Snub

Shafali admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by GS Lakshmi of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees. No formal hearing was required.

Shafali Verma Eyes Historic T20I Record

Despite the disciplinary action, Shafali will be back in action when India take on Zimbabwe in the third T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Tuesday.

The Indian opener has been in excellent form this year and is closing in on a major milestone in women’s T20 internationals.

Shafali has scored 922 runs in 26 matches in 2026. She needs just 78 more runs to become the first player to score 1,000 runs in women’s T20Is in a single calendar year.

ALSO READ: Pragyan Ojha Emerges As BCCI's Troubleshooter For Gautam Gambhir- Virat Kohli Communication Gap: Report

She has already topped the list of the highest run-scorers in women’s T20Is this year, having scored one century and eight half-centuries.

Shafali on verge of breaking Smriti Mandhana’s record

The third T20I also gives Shafali a chance to set another record. If she scores a half-century in Raipur, she will go past Smriti Mandhana’s tally of eight fifties in a calendar year in women’s T20Is.

Mandhana achieved the feat in 2024, scoring eight half-centuries in 21 innings across 23 T20Is.

With India set to face Zimbabwe again on Tuesday, Shafali will have an opportunity to add to her impressive run tally and make history in the shortest format of the game.