Another Pakistani cricketer punished for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Pakistan opener Gul Feroza has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women’s T20 Asia Cup match against Hong Kong.

Feroza was dismissed leg before wicket in the fifth over while attempting to sweep a delivery from Hong Kong’s left-arm spinner. With no review system available, she had to leave the field after the on-field umpire gave her out.

As she walked back to the pavilion, Feroza gestured towards her bat to indicate that the ball had made contact with it before hitting her pad, expressing her disagreement with the umpire’s decision.

She was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, relating to showing dissent at an umpire’s decision. It was her second offence within a 24-month period, taking her total demerit points to two.

The sanction was imposed by match referee Supriya Das following a report from the on-field umpires. Feroza admitted the offence, meaning no formal hearing was required.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was also fined 10 per cent of her match fee and given one demerit point earlier in the tournament for gesturing towards the dressing room while celebrating the dismissal of India batter Shafali Verma.

Pakistan advanced to the semifinals with a 72-run victory over Hong Kong and will face Sri Lanka in the last four. Bangladesh and India will contest the other semifinal.