The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially reprimanded Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha on Saturday and issued him a demerit point for breaching the code of conduct during the second One-Day International against Bangladesh.
The middle-order batter violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match.
One demerit point has been added to the all-rounder’s disciplinary record, marking Agha’s first offense in the past 24 months. The unusual incident took place during the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings when Bangladesh’s captain, Miraz, bowled a flatter delivery that Mohammad Rizwan nudged back.
The ball spun and rolled directly toward Salman Agha, who was positioned at the non-striker’s end. Initially, Agha attempted to dodge the ball, but it was intercepted by Miraz, who managed to stop it with his right foot. As the ball came to a halt, Agha bent down to return it to Miraz. However, Miraz took advantage of the situation, picked up the ball, and quickly broke the stumps, leaving Agha stranded and run out.
Miraz’s actions did not sit well with Pakistan’s T20I captain, who expressed his frustration by throwing his gloves and helmet onto the ground as he walked back to the pavilion.
The charge against Agha was upheld by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Tanvir Ahmed, as well as the third umpire Kumar Dharmasena and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul. Salman Ali Agha admitted to the offense and accepted the penalty, thus avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
According to ICC rules, Level 1 breaches result in a minimum sanction of an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50 percent of the match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Despite the individual setback for Salman, Pakistan secured a dominant 128-run victory via the DLS method after a rain-shortened chase, successfully leveling the three-match series. This reprimand marks Salman’s first offence in a 24-month period; however, any further breaches could lead to suspension points under the ICC’s disciplinary framework.
Read also: Fear of Pakistani strikes: Afghan Taliban hide their helicopters
