Archive · 7 Sep 2026
ICC Fines Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana Over Shafali Send-Off
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was punished by cricket’s governing body, the ICC.
She dismissed India’s Shafali Verma during an Asia Cup match.
After the dismissal, Fatima pointed toward the pavilion.
The ICC said this gesture could upset or provoke the dismissed batter.
Fatima was fined 10% of her match fee.
She also received one demerit point.
This was her second offence in 24 months, giving her two points in that period.
Fatima admitted the offence and accepted the punishment without a formal hearing.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was fined 10% of her match fee for a Level 1 ICC Code of Conduct breach.
The incident occurred during the second over of India’s chase in the Women’s Asia Cup Group A match in Dubai.
After dismissing Indian opener Shafali Verma, Fatima gestured toward the pavilion.
The ICC added one demerit point, making it Fatima’s second offence and giving her two points within 24 months.
Pakistan lost by seven wickets; reports variously described its total as 55 or India’s target as 56.
- Who
- Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, Indian batter Shafali Verma, and the International Cricket Council.
- What
- Fatima Sana was fined 10% of her match fee and given one demerit point for gesturing after dismissing Shafali Verma.
- When
- The incident occurred on Saturday during the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match; the ICC announced the sanction on Monday.
- Where
- Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
- Why
- The ICC found that Fatima’s gesture breached Article 2.5, which covers disparaging or potentially provocative actions toward a dismissed batter.
ICC’s Disciplinary View
Criticism Of The Celebration
Meaning of the gesture
ICC’s Disciplinary View
The ICC classified Fatima’s gesture toward the pavilion as an action that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter.
Criticism Of The Celebration
Some social-media users and commentators questioned the timing and tone of the celebration, particularly after Pakistan’s heavy defeat.
- Penalty
- 10% of Fatima Sana’s match fee
- Offence
- Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct
- Relevant rule
- Article 2.5 concerning provocative or disparaging conduct after a batter’s dismissal
- Demerit points
- One added; two total within 24 months
- Previous offence
- A demerit point received during Pakistan’s first T20I against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025
- Match result
- India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets
- Score discrepancy
- Reports described Pakistan’s total as 55, while another account said India chased 56
Sources
Pakistan's Fatima Sana Sanctioned By ICC Over Gesture After Shafali Verma's Wicket
ICC Fines Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana Khan For Fiery Send Off To Shafali Verma During IND Vs PAK Women's Asia Cup 2026 Clash
ICC Takes Disciplinary Action Against Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana For Send-Off To Shafali Verma During Women's Asia Cup Encounter
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana punished by ICC for send-off to Shafali Verma during Women’s Asia Cup match
ICC Punishes Fatima Sana For Send Off To Shafali Verma In Asia Cup
