International Cricket Council fined Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan and Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz for breaching Level 1 of its code of conduct for an incident that occurred on the final day of first Test at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Saturday (2 May).  

Both the players were fined 30% of their match fees by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

The ICC website read, ‘The players were found to have breached Article 2.1.8 (a) of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘conduct contrary to the spirit of the game’.

The incident happened in the 118th over of Bangladesh’s second innings when the two players unnecessarily halted play by arguing and pointing fingers at each other.

Both the players admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Mr Crowe and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

Explaining his decision, Mr Crowe said: ‘Posturing and finger pointing in each other’s face is not what we expect from two senior international players and has no place in cricket.  International cricketers should always remember that they are being watched and followed by millions and, therefore, need to always control their emotions and demonstrate respect.’

The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Nigel Llong and Ranmore Martinesz, third umpire Paul Reiffel, and fourth umpire Sharfuddoula, the ICC said.

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee.