Pakistan’s Khushdil Shah Penalised for Breaching ICC Code of Conduct Against New Zealand
New Zealand /Patiala, 18 March (Sports Desk)
Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fee after being found guilty of a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan in Christchurch on Sunday, 16 March.
The incident occurred during the 8th over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil barged into the back of New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes. This act was classified as “inappropriate physical contact with a high degree of force” under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The umpires and Match Referee Jeff Crowe deemed the contact “reckless, negligent, and avoidable.”
watch…..India Clinch ODI Series Against New Zealand
Khushdil accepted the sanctions without contest, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. In addition to the fine, three demerit points have been added to his disciplinary record. This marks Khushdil’s first offence within a 24-month period. Under ICC regulations, if a player accumulates four or more demerit points within two years, they are converted into suspension points. Two suspension points result in a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, depending on which format the player participates in first.
A Forgettable Day for Pakistan
It was a disappointing outing for Pakistan, who were bundled out for just 91 runs in their first innings under the leadership of new full-time T20I captain Salman Ali Agha. New Zealand’s pace duo of Jacob Duffy (4/14) and Kyle Jamieson (3/8) wreaked havoc on Pakistan’s revamped batting lineup.
Khushdil Shah top-scored with 32 runs, while only captain Salman Ali Agha (18) and Jahandad Khan (17) managed to reach double figures. However, it wasn’t enough to provide any substantial resistance against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.
In reply, New Zealand made light work of the chase, cruising to victory with nine wickets and 59 balls to spare. Tim Seifert played a blistering knock, smashing an unbeaten 44 off just 29 balls before being dismissed by Abrar Ahmed at the end of the Powerplay. Finn Allen (29*) and Tim Robinson (18*) then guided the Black Caps home comfortably, securing a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Watch Highlights: Champions Trophy 2025 Opener
Young and Latham’s centuries powered New Zealand to victory in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
Match Highlights:
- New Zealand vs Pakistan | Champions Trophy 2025
- Young and Latham’s tons propel New Zealand to dominant win.
Pakistan will look to regroup and bounce back in the remaining matches of the series, but the team’s performance in Christchurch raises concerns ahead of the tournament.
