Pakistan's Fatima Sana Fined for Disparaging Gesture During Asia Cup

Fatima Sana Faces Penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct

The captain of the Pakistan women's cricket team, Fatima Sana, has been penalized 10% of her match fee due to inappropriate gestures made after dismissing Indian opener Shafali Verma in a recent Women’s Asia Cup match, as reported by the ICC on Monday.

This incident took place during the second over of India's innings when Fatima made a gesture towards the pavilion following Shafali's dismissal on Saturday.

She was found in violation of Level 1 Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which addresses the use of language, actions, or gestures that could be seen as disparaging or provoke an aggressive response from a batter after their dismissal in an international match.

Additionally, Fatima has received one demerit point added to her disciplinary record, marking her second offense within a 24-month period, bringing her total to two demerit points in just one year.

Her first demerit point was issued during a T20I match against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.

Fatima acknowledged her wrongdoing and accepted the penalty suggested by Supriya Rani Das from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was brought forth by on-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, along with third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan.

Level 1 violations can result in penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum of 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.