Salman Ali Agha Penalised for ICC Code of Conduct Breach

Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during Pakistan’s recent international match.

The incident resulted in Agha receiving one demerit point on his disciplinary record. This is the first offence registered against the Pakistan all-rounder within a 24-month period.

According to the ICC, Agha violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The article relates to the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment or fixtures during an international match.

Incident during Pakistan innings

The incident occurred in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a flatter ball which Mohammad Rizwan nudged back down the pitch. The ball spun and rolled towards Salman Ali Agha, who was positioned at the non-striker’s end.

Agha initially attempted to avoid the ball, but it was intercepted by Miraz with his right foot.

As the ball came to a stop, Agha bent down intending to hand the ball back to the Bangladesh captain. Miraz instead seized the moment, collected the ball and quickly broke the stumps while Agha was outside his crease, resulting in a run-out.

The incident frustrated the Pakistan T20I captain, who reacted by throwing his gloves and helmet to the ground while walking back to the pavilion.

ICC disciplinary action

The charge against Agha was levelled by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Tanvir Ahmed, with Kumar Dharmasena serving as the third umpire and Masudur Rahman Mukul as the fourth umpire.

Salman Ali Agha admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match officials. As a result, there was no requirement for a formal disciplinary hearing.

Under ICC regulations, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand. The maximum punishment includes a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee and one or two demerit points.