Babar Azam Penalty: He Penalized by ICC for Code of Conduct Breach

Pakistan Captain Fined for On-Field Outburst

Pakistan’s star batsman and national team captain Babar Azam has been penalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating the Code of Conduct during the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The incident occurred on November 14, 2025, when Babar, visibly frustrated after his dismissal, struck the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease. This display of dissent was captured by broadcast cameras and promptly noted by match officials.

ICC Deems Action a Level 1 Offense

The ICC classified Babar’s behavior as a Level 1 offense under Article 2.2 of their Code of Conduct, which prohibits the abuse of cricket equipment or fixtures during international matches. As punishment, the Pakistani skipper was fined 10% of his match fee and received one demerit point on his disciplinary record. Notably, this marks Babar’s first Code of Conduct violation in the past 24 months, reflecting his generally disciplined on-field conduct. The charges were brought forth by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, with Babar accepting the sanctions without requesting a formal hearing.

Match Officials Enforce Discipline Standards

This incident highlights the ICC‘s continued emphasis on maintaining decorum in international cricket. While Level 1 offenses are considered the least severe category under the Code of Conduct, they still carry tangible consequences for players. The demerit point system, introduced to track player discipline over time, could lead to more serious sanctions if accumulated offenses occur within specified periods. Cricket analysts note that such disciplinary actions serve as important reminders for players about professional conduct expectations, even in high-pressure situations.