ICC Slaps Mohammad Nabi With Heavy Fine For Major Misconduct

Mohammad Nabi penalised by ICC [Source: X, AFP]

In a significant development, the ICC has imposed a heavy penalty on veteran cricketer Mohammad Nabi for on-field misconduct, also involving Lungi Ngidi, during Afghanistan's second T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa. 

Led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan suffered a major heartbreak, as South Africa defeated them in Super Over that went for three rounds. After the match concluded, Mohammad Nabi was found guilty of breaching an ICC code of conduct, with the governing body penalising him. 

Mohammad Nabi penalised for Lungi Ngidi wrist-band saga

The incident occurred just before the start of the 14th over of Afghanistan's innings when Nabi was batting alongside Azmatullah Omarzai. 

As South African captain Aiden Markram handed the ball to Lungi Ngidi, Nabi approached the on-field umpire, complaining of difficulty in spotting the ball due to the wrist-band worn by the Proteas pacer. In fact, Markram provocatively asked Ngidi to continue using it, hurling abuses at Nabi in Afrikaans. 

"Gebruik dit, sy pœs man, gebruik dit, gebruik dit, sy pœs!", Markram quipped in frustration. 

Notably, it was a pale yellow wrist band and Mohammad Nabi claimed that he couldn't spot the ball in Ngidi's hands. However, the umpire turned down his request, allowing the South African bowler to use the wrist-band while bowling. 

The Afghanistan all-rounder was displeased with the decision and went on to argue with the umpire. Therefore, the he was found guilty of breaching the Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match.” 

So, the ICC sanctioned him with 15 per cent of his match fees after South Africa clinched a narrow win in the nerve-wracking contest. 

Mohammad Nabi and Lungi Ngidi's contrasting performances in SA Vs AFG

Mohammad Nabi had a disappointing game against South Africa, letting Afghanistan down with his middling returns. 

The veteran spinner failed to pick a wicket and went for 20 runs in two overs. His performance with the bat was also far from ideal, as Nabi managed only five runs before being dismissed in the 16th over. Given that he's one of their most experienced players, the Afghans must be disappointed with how Nabi played in crucial stages of the match. 

On the contrary, Lungi Ngidi extended an impressive run in the T20 World Cup, emerging as a go-to man for skipper Aiden Markram and South Africa. The right-arm pacer, who scalped four wickets against Canada, bowled exceptionally in the Afghanistan match, bagging three crucial wickets for 26 runs in his four-over spell. 

He comfortably outshone the renowned duo of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, playing a pivotal role in keeping South Africa alive in the close contest. His extraordinary spell ensured the Proteas remained unbeaten and got a morale-boosting victory ahead of an important fixture against an in-form New Zealand team. 

Currently, South Africa are placed second in group-D points table and will face New Zealand in their next match on Saturday, February 14, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.