Khushdil Shah Fined for Breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Four Demerit Points Lead to Suspension, Ban from Matches

By DTD- On Mar 17, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricketer Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fee for violating Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday.

Khushdil was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).”

The incident occurred in the eighth over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil made inappropriate physical contact with New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes while running between the wickets. The contact was deemed reckless, negligent, and avoidable.

As a result of the breach, Khushdil received three demerit points, marking his first offence in a 24-month period. Khushdil admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction by Jeff Crowe, the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, negating the need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Wayne Knights and Sam Nogajski, along with third umpire Kim Cotton and fourth umpire Chris Brown, were responsible for leveling the charge.

According to the ICC Code of Conduct, Level 2 breaches carry a fine of 50% to 100% of a player’s match fee or up to two Suspension Points.

If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they will be converted into suspension points, leading to a ban. Two suspension points would result in a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, whichever comes first.

The demerit points will remain on Khushdil’s record for 24 months, after which they will be expunged.