Pakistan’s pace duo, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas, have been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for aggressive celebrations during the first match of their ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies in Tarouba, with the sanctions announced on July 29, 2026. Both bowlers received a demerit point each, with Shahzad also copping a 15% fine of his match fee and Abbas an official reprimand.
The incidents, which occurred during the first Test match that concluded on July 28, 2026, saw both players breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, specifically Article 2.5. This article pertains to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”
Khurram Shahzad Fined for Hope Dismissal
Shahzad’s penalty stemmed from his aggressive celebration close to West Indies batter Shai Hope following his dismissal in the 17th over of the West Indies’ second innings. Match officials deemed Shahzad’s actions capable of provoking an aggressive reaction from the batter. This marks Shahzad’s first offence within a 24-month period, adding one demerit point to his disciplinary record.
Mohammad Abbas Reprimanded for Warrican Celebration
Abbas faced sanction for celebrating in an animated manner near dismissed batter Jomel Warrican, who was the final wicket of the innings. While Abbas avoided a monetary fine, he received an official reprimand and one demerit point, also his first in the last 24 months.
Code of Conduct Breach and Sanctions
Both players admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for formal hearings. The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Richard Kettleborough, along with third umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal.
Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. The accumulation of four or more demerit points within a 24-month period can lead to suspension points, resulting in a ban from future matches.
These penalties serve as a reminder to players about maintaining sportsmanship and respecting opponents, even amidst the intensity of international cricket. The ICC continues to uphold its standards of conduct to ensure fair play on the field.