Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam given once-in-a-lifetime punishment by ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) penalized Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam for their aggressive conduct during the ODI tri-series match against South Africa in Karachi. The three Pakistan players were found to have breached multiple Level 1 violations of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Pakistan beat South Africa by six wickets in a record-breaking ODI chase of 353 runs at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 12. They completed the chase in 49 overs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha hit centuries to help Pakistan secure their spot in the final.

Shaheen Afridi Fined A Fee for Breaching the ICC Code of Conduct

The physical confrontation between Shaheen Afridi and South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke grabbed attention during the recent match. The altercation began in the 28th over of the South African innings. Shaheen Afridi blocked Breetzke’s way while the batter was running towards the non-striker end for a single.

Two players exchanged words, and the situation seemed on the verge of getting out of control before they were separated. Afridi has been fined 25% of his match fee for his physical confrontation.

"Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was fined 25 percent of his match fee for breaching Article 2.12 of the Code, which pertains to "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match," the ICC said in a release.

Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam Fined for Aggressive Celebrations

In another incident, Saud Shakeel and substitute fielder Kamran Ghulam were fined 10% of their match fees for overly aggressive celebrations after dismissing Temba Bavuma. The two players celebrated too closely to Bavuma following his run-out in the 29th over before the South Africa skipper left the field.

"Both players were found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the Code, which 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,'" the release added.

Besides fines, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam have each received a demerit point on their disciplinary records. None of the players had any previous offenses in the last 24 months. The players have accepted the sanctions, and no formal hearings will be held regarding the incidents.

Pakistan Recorded Their Highest-Ever Successful Chase in ODI Cricket

After opting to bat first, South Africa set a challenging target of 352/5 in 50 overs. Temba Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), Heinrich Klaasen (87), and Kyle Verreynne (44*) chipped in with crucial batting contributions. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took two wickets and conceded 66 runs in his 10-over spell.

In response, the Pakistan team made a strong start in their chase, reaching 91 in 10.4 overs but losing three wickets. Mohammad Rizwan (122*) and Salman Agha (134) then formed a dominant 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Pakistan recorded their highest-ever successful chase in ODI cricket.

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