Dubai
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during her team’s Women’s Asia Cup Group A match against India in Dubai.
The sanction followed an incident during India’s chase of 56. On the final ball of the second over, Fatima dismissed opener Shafali Verma through a caught-and-bowled dismissal before gesturing towards the pavilion. The International Cricket Council found the gesture breached Article 2.5, which covers language, actions or gestures that disparage a dismissed batter or could provoke an aggressive reaction.
Fatima admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, meaning no formal hearing was required. The charges were brought by on-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan.
The latest penalty is Fatima’s second offence within 24 months and takes her total demerit points to two. Her previous point came during Pakistan’s opening T20 International against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.
Level 1 breaches under the ICC Code of Conduct carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of the player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
Despite the sanction, Fatima remains available to captain Pakistan in their next match against Hong Kong China on Tuesday. Pakistan need a victory to secure a place in the semi-finals, with India and defending champions Sri Lanka already through.
