ICC Takes Action Against Shaheen Afridi and Two Other Pakistan Players for Misconduct in South Africa Match

Karachi, February 14, 2025: Pakistan’s thrilling victory over South Africa in the recent tri-nation series took an unexpected turn as the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed fines and demerit points on three Pakistan players for breaching the Code of Conduct.

In a remarkable chase of 353 runs, Mohammad Rizwan (122) and Salman Agha (134) led Pakistan to a one-over victory in Karachi on Wednesday. However, the on-field behavior of Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and substitute fielder Kamran Ghulam caught the attention of the ICC, leading to disciplinary action.

According to an official ICC statement, “Shaheen Shah Afridi was fined 25 percent of his match fee for breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct,” which covers “inappropriate physical contact with a player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee, or any other person during an international match.” The incident occurred in the 28th over of South Africa’s innings when Afridi obstructed South African batter Matthew Breetzke, causing physical contact and sparking a heated exchange.

In addition, Saud Shakeel and substitute fielder Kamran Ghulam were each fined 10 percent of their match fees for celebrating too aggressively following the dismissal of South African captain Temba Bavuma. Both players were found to have violated Article 2.5, which prohibits actions or gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon their dismissal.

The ICC confirmed that all three players had accepted the sanctions imposed, with each receiving one demerit point on their disciplinary records. As a result, no formal hearings will be held.

Despite the fines, the match remains a historic one for Pakistan, with their chase of 353 runs in the face of stiff competition, further cementing their place in the ongoing series.