DUBAI: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the International League T20 (ILT20) final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 4.
The incident occurred during the high-stakes final between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates, according to an official statement released on the ILT20 website. Naseem was found guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to the use of inappropriate language, gestures, or actions that may provoke or insult a batter following their dismissal.
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As per the statement, the breach took place in the 11th over of MI Emirates’ innings. Naseem delivered a ball that Kieron Pollard defended safely. After collecting the ball, the right-arm pacer smiled towards Pollard, an action that appeared to irritate the veteran West Indies all-rounder.
Pollard reacted angrily, leading to a brief but heated verbal exchange between the two players. Television footage showed Pollard visibly upset as words were exchanged, escalating tensions in the middle. Match umpires quickly stepped in to control the situation, with Desert Vipers batter Jason Roy also assisting in calming both players.
Despite the confrontation, Naseem did not shy away from responding and was seen engaging back before the officials managed to diffuse the moment. The altercation remained verbal, and play resumed without further delay.
Interestingly, Naseem had the final say later in the match. He dismissed Pollard on the very first ball of the 16th over, ending the MI Emirates batter’s knock of 28 runs off 28 deliveries. The dismissal proved to be a key moment in the final as MI Emirates struggled to build momentum thereafter.
The sanction was imposed by match referee Simon Taufel, a highly respected former international umpire. No additional disciplinary points or suspensions were announced, indicating the offence was considered minor under Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Despite the disciplinary action, it was a memorable night for Desert Vipers. The franchise clinched their maiden ILT20 title, bowling out MI Emirates for 136 in 18.3 overs to secure a comprehensive victory.
Naseem Shah played a crucial role in the triumph, finishing with three wickets in his four-over spell, showcasing pace, control, and aggression when it mattered most.
Earlier, Desert Vipers posted a commanding total of 182 for 4 after being asked to bat first. Captain Tom Curran led from the front with a match-winning 74 off 51 balls, anchoring the innings and setting up a total that ultimately proved beyond MI Emirates’ reach.
While the fine slightly marred Naseem Shah’s night, his match-winning performance ensured he remained one of the standout players of the ILT20 final.
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