Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has been fined 10 percent of his match fee after being found guilty of a Level 1 offence under the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI against Sri Lanka on 18 November 2025.
The ICC confirmed that Babar breached Article 2.2, which deals with the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match.” The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings when the Pakistan skipper struck the stumps with his bat in frustration moments after being dismissed.
Match officials on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi reported the offence. Ali Naqvi, from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, imposed the sanction.
Babar accepted the charge and the penalty, meaning no formal hearing was required. Along with the financial penalty, he also received one demerit point, his first in the last 24 months.
Under ICC regulations, Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to 50 percent of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
Despite the disciplinary setback, Babar ended the series as the top run-scorer, amassing 165 runs, including a record-breaking 20th ODI century, playing a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 3–0 series sweep over Sri Lanka.
The ICC regularly monitors on-field behaviour to maintain the spirit of the game, and the sanction serves as a reminder of the governing body's strict stance on equipment abuse and player conduct.
