Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and handed a demerit point for her send-off gesture after dismissing India opener Shafali Verma during the Women’s Asia Cup Group A match in Dubai. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday that Sana had breached Article 2.5 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers language, actions or gestures that disparage a batter or could provoke an aggressive reaction following a dismissal.
Gesture after Shafali wicket
The incident occurred during the second over of India’s chase on Saturday. Shafali, who had made a brisk start, chipped a return catch to Sana. After completing the caught-and-bowled dismissal, the Pakistan skipper gestured towards the pavilion as the Indian opener walked back.
The offence was classified as a Level 1 breach. Sana admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, removing the need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan levelled the charge.
Second offence in 24 months
The latest penalty is Sana’s second offence within a 24-month period, taking her tally to two demerit points. She had received her previous demerit point during Pakistan’s T20I against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.
Under ICC regulations, a Level 1 breach can result in anything from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points. Four or more demerit points accumulated within 24 months are converted into suspension points. Sana had been Pakistan’s standout performer with the ball in the match, claiming all three Indian wickets to fall. Pakistan were earlier bowled out for just 55 before India completed the chase with seven wickets in hand.