In Pakistan’s exciting ODI triumph over South Africa in Karachi, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam were penalised for unsportsmanlike conduct. After Pakistan successfully chased a 353-run target, the International Cricket Council (ICC) fined and disciplined the trio.
In an attempt to block South African hitter Matthew Breetzke during a single, Shaheen Afridi was fined 25% of his match money. The heated episode entailed a quick exchange of words, but Afridi subsequently revealed it was a premeditated attempt to distract the batter at a crucial time. Breetzke said they had no lasting hatred after the event.
Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam lost 10% of their match earnings for celebrating too loudly after dismissing South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, who made 82 runs. The ICC considered their celebrations offensive and against the spirit of the game.
All three players accepted the sanctions without contesting the charges, collecting one demerit point apiece.
This win puts Pakistan into the tri-series final against New Zealand, giving them valuable practice for the Champions Trophy, the nation’s greatest cricket event in nearly three decades. Despite the sanctions, the team chased their highest-ever ODI target of 355-4, showing great form ahead of the championship.
Fans were reminded of cricket’s competitiveness and sportsmanship by the game.
