Pakistan captain Fatima Sana fined and given demerit point for gesture after dismissing Shafali Verma
Quick Look
- Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was fined 10% of her match fee and received one demerit point for breaching ICC Code of Conduct Article 2.5 after gesturing toward the pavilion following the dismissal of India's Shafali Verma in the Women's Asia Cup match in Dubai.
- This is her second offence in 24 months, bringing her total to two demerit points.
- She remains available for Pakistan's next match against Hong Kong China.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Fatima Sana was previously sanctioned with a demerit point during Pakistan's opening T20 International against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025, for a similar breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Fatima Sana (Image credit: ACC)
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and given one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women's Asia Cup match against India. Pakistan lost the Group A match by seven wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday that Fatima had breached Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The rule relates to ‘using language, actions or gestures which disparage, or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.’
Gesture after dismissing Shafali
The incident took place on the final ball of the second over of India's chase of 56. Fatima dismissed India opener Shafali Verma through a caught-and-bowled dismissal. After taking the catch, the Pakistan captain gestured towards the pavilion. The gesture led to the Code of Conduct charge.
Second offence in 24 months
This is Fatima's second offence within a 24-month period. Her latest demerit point takes her total to two. Her previous demerit point came during Pakistan's opening T20 International against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025. "Fatima admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing," further said the ICC. The charges were brought by on-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan.
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Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee. Players can also receive one or two demerit points.
Fatima available for Hong Kong match
Despite the penalty, Fatima will be available to lead Pakistan in their next Women's Asia Cup match against Hong Kong China on Tuesday. Pakistan need a win to reach the semi-finals. Seven-time champions India and defending champions Sri Lanka have already secured their places in the last four.
End of Article
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Fatima Sana will be available to captain Pakistan in their Women's Asia Cup match against Hong Kong China on Tuesday.
Very likely · Within days
Pakistan needs a win against Hong Kong China to reach the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What specific gesture did Fatima Sana make after dismissing Shafali Verma?
- Will the accumulation of two demerit points within 24 months lead to a suspension for Fatima Sana?
- How might this incident affect Pakistan's team dynamics ahead of the Hong Kong match?