ICC Penalizes Two Pakistan Pacers for Misconduct
Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas receive demerit points after first Test loss to West Indies.
Pakistan's first Test defeat to the West Indies was compounded by further disappointment as the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalized two players for breaching the code of conduct. Fast bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas were found guilty of violating Article 2.5, which prohibits actions that insult or provoke a batter after dismissal.
Both players accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, avoiding formal hearings. Abbas received a demerit point and an official warning, while Shahzad was handed a demerit point and fined 15% of his match fee. Accumulating four or more demerit points within 24 months can lead to suspension from international matches.
Despite the off-field setback, Abbas was a standout performer in the match, taking three wickets in the first innings and a five-wicket haul in the third. Shahzad also contributed with two wickets in each innings. However, their efforts were not enough as Pakistan collapsed to 120 in a 211-run chase, losing by 90 runs at the Brian Lara Stadium.