Pakistan Players Punished By ICC

Pakistan players land in fresh trouble after first Test vs West Indies [Source: AFP]

After the conclusion of the first Test between West Indies and Pakistan, the ICC charged 2 Pakistani players for breaching the code of conduct. Both players have been punished with a demerit point.

The first Test concluded at the Brian Lara Stadium with the hosts emerging victorious by a 90-run margin after the visitors collapsed to 120 in a 211-run chase.

But Pakistan’s troubles weren’t restricted to on-field humiliation alone. Off the field, the ICC took cognisance of players’ aggressive behaviour.

ICC punishes Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas

As per the latest update, the ICC found Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers using words, gestures, or actions that insult, provoke, or could trigger an aggressive reaction from a batter after dismissing them. 

Abbas recieved a demerit point and an official warning. He will not face any monetary fine for now. On the other hand, Shahzad faced much more severe punishment.

The ICC handed him a demerit point and also ordered him to pay 15% of his match fee as a fine. Both players apparently accepted the charges proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe to avoid a formal hearing.

It's important to note that if a player accumulates 4 or more demerit points within 24 months, those points are converted into suspension points, which result in a ban from international matches. 

Also Read - Pakistan Veteran Demands Babar Azam's Removal As Test Captain After Just 1st Loss

Mohammad Abbas’ performance in the first Test

Interestingly, Mohammad Abbas was one of the few positives for Pakistan in the first Test vs West Indies. He picked 3 wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a five-wicket-haul in the third innings.

He dismissed senior batter Brandon King twice and continued to breathe fire with his sensational spells. But in the midst of a competitive and emotional contest, Abbas lost his temper.

Hence, for aggressive celebrations, he was pulled up by the ICC. On the other hand, Khurram Shahzad also made crucial contributions. He picked up 2 wickets each in 2 innings to assist Abbas from the other end.

However, both pacers’ efforts went in vain as, due to batting failure, Pakistan collapsed in a 211-run chase to endure a 90-run defeat.

Pakistan under pressure to save the series

Having said that, the first Test loss will hurt Pakistan, especially Babar Azam, as this is his comeback series as captain. He replaced Shan Masood just before the tour, beginning his second stint as Test skipper.

However, Pakistan’s performance has been ordinary. The change in leadership appears to have had too little impact on the team’s ability to tackle challenges collectively, especially in overseas conditions.

The second Test is scheduled at Queen’s Park on August 2nd, and it’s a do-or-die series for Pakistan to save the series.

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