AFG vs ZIM: Gulabdin Naib Fined 15% Of Match Fee
In AFG vs ZIM 2nf T20I, Gulabdin Naib was fined due to breach of code of conduct by ICC.
AFG vs ZIM: Afghan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib was involved in a controversy during the second T20 International match against Zimbabwe, played at Harare on Friday, as he visibly disagreed with the umpire’s decision. He has been fined 15% of his match fee and has received a demerit point.
The incident occurred in the 11th over of Zimbabwe’s innings when Naib reacted to an umpire’s rejection of an LBW appeal against Tashinga Musekiwa, which was delivered by Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan.
AFG vs ZIM 2nd T20, Naib fined for misconduct of rules
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The International Cricket Council issued a formal statement declaring that Naib had indeed breached the ICC Code of Conduct at Level One. He was in breach of Article 2.8, which deals with a player showing dissent or lack of acceptability of an umpire’s decision given during an on-field incident. According to its statement, the ICC said that Naib accepted the fine and the demerit point, thereby not requiring a formal hearing.
This incident, although a blot in Naib’s otherwise solid career, is not his first disciplinary violation. But the incident marks his first misconduct in the last 24 months, and the tally of the demerit point to his record marked it as a major cause for concern in the life of the player. He still accepted the penalty unchallenged, as he did not want matters to go any worse than this.
The drama of controversy over the umpire’s decision did not take the sheen away from the Afghan victory. The Afghan side went on to win the match by 50 runs, leveling the three-match T20 series 1-1. They completed the series victory in the third and final T20I on Saturday, defeating Zimbabwe by three wickets in a thrilling finish that went down to the last over.
Putting aside the fine and demerit point, Naib’s act brings into focus how composure on the field needs to be maintained especially while disagreeing with the decision of an umpire. The ICC has stern laws in place to keep the game free from controversies and players are expected to uphold the code of conduct of the game. The fine imposed on Naib acts as a reminder for every cricketer regarding what may happen if dissent is shown, especially in the middle of a competitive match.
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