Karachi Kings Opener Fined By ICC After Leaving PSL 2026

Karachi Kings. [Source - AFP]

Just a few days after leaving PSL 2026 midway, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem found himself in the middle of jeopardy during his international duty, following a controversial moment in the two match T20I series in Nepal.

The Karachi Kings opener, who had shifted focus to national commitments, was involved in a post-match episode in UAE’s recently concluded two match T20I series against Nepal on Tuesday, where his remarks on umpiring drew immediate attention from match officials and the governing body.

ICC fines Muhammad Waseem for breaching Code of Conduct

Muhammad Waseem was fined after he made comments in the post match presentation about the umpiring being biased during UAE’s second T20I against Nepal in Kirtipur on Tuesday. His remarks were seen as criticism of match officials, which is not allowed under ICC rules.

Following this, Muhammad Waseem was charged for Level 1 breach under Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to publicly criticizing umpiring decisions, a Level 1 offence under ICC regulations.

Waseem accepted the charge and did not request a formal hearing. He was fined 15 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point, marking his first offence within the 24-month disciplinary period set by the ICC.

PSL exit and national duty reshape Waseem’s campaign

Muhammad Waseem’s early exit from PSL 2026 came after he was called up to represent UAE in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures scheduled in Nepal, shifting his focus from franchise cricket to important international commitments during a crucial phase of the season.

As per the itinerary, UAE are set to face Oman and Nepal twice each between April 25 and May 3 in Kirtipur, following their recently concluded two-match T20I series against Nepal at the same venue, making it a demanding schedule in familiar conditions.

Waseem’s stint with the Karachi Kings in PSL 2026 was underwhelming, as he managed just 86 runs in five innings at an average of 17.20, struggling to find rhythm and consistency while failing to make a strong impact during his appearances in the tournament this season.

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UAE shift focus to League 2 after mixed T20I results

With the T20I series concluded, UAE now turn their attention to the crucial League 2 encounters, having won the first match but lost the second to level the series. Consistency will be key as they aim to improve results against Oman and Nepal.

UAE were clinical in the opening match, with captain Muhammad Waseem playing a quickfire 33 off 15 in a rain-interrupted contest, guiding his side comfortably. However, he was dismissed for a duck in the second game, where UAE eventually fell short.

Despite the setback and recent ICC fine, Waseem did not let his PSL form affect his approach. Moving forward, he will need to be at his best as a leader, focusing on guiding UAE through this important phase and delivering strong performances.

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