Fatima Sana and India captain Harmanpreet Kaur (Source: AFP Photos)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday punished Pakistan captain Fatima Sana for his recent gesture against India, particularly against Shafali Verma. The incident between Shafali and Fatima happened during the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
Additionally, the ICC handed Fatima a demerit point for her actions. It was his second offence in the 24-month period, having previously received one demerit point for her gesture during a T20I match between Pakistan and Ireland in Dublin in August last year.
Back then, Fatima had her hands on her hips after the on-field out decision against her before slowly beginning to walk off the field.
Fatima was later found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match."
Fatima Sana’s Gesture Towards Shafali Verma Backfires
During the recent India vs Pakistan face-off, Fatima took the wicket of Shafali and, immediately after, made a gesture with her fingers, directing the Indian opener to go back to the pavilion. The ICC found out that it did not go along with the ‘Spirit of Cricket.’
“Fatima was found to have breached article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal,’” an ICC statement read.
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"Fatima admitted to her offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by Supriya Das of The Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing."
Will Fatima Sana Be Banned From Women’s Asia Cup?
No, Fatima Sana won’t be banned from playing for Pakistan for the remainder of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. According to the ICC rulebook, a player can be banned only if he or she receives four demerit points within a 24-month period.
Fatima, meanwhile, has two demerit points so far. So, there is no chance she will be barred from participating in the competition.
Pakistan, meanwhile, are yet to qualify for the competition’s next round. They will face Hong Kong women later on Monday, and a win over them will secure their places in the semi-finals.
How Has Fatima Fared In Women’s Asia Cup?
Fatima, meanwhile, has taken four wickets in two matches in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Three of them came against India.
There, apart from Shafali’s wicket, Fatima took the wickets of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. However, with the bat, she had a seven-ball duck against India. Even against Thailand, Fatima had a two-ball duck in the ongoing competition.
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