Afghanistan’s participation in the Asia Cup concluded amid disciplinary measures against spinners Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who were formally censured for Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during their group-stage defeat to Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. The incidents, unrelated but occurring in the same match, resulted in official reprimands and one demerit point each-their first disciplinary marks in the current 24-month cycle.
The ICC confirmed that Noor Ahmad was charged under Article 2.8 for “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision” during the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. He was visibly displeased with an umpire’s wide call, leading to the sanction. Mujeeb, meanwhile, was penalised under Article 2.2 for “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings” after breaking the stumps with his towel in frustration.
Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees handled the disciplinary process. Both players admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions, eliminating the need for formal hearings. The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Virender Sharma, third umpire Faisal Afridi, and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit.
A formal reprimand is the standard penalty for Level 1 offenses, which may also include fines of up to 50 percent of a player’s match fee and the imposition of one or two demerit points. In this case, both Noor and Mujeeb were issued a reprimand and one demerit point each.
Under ICC regulations, four or more demerit points within a 24-month period are converted into suspension points, leading to an automatic ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first in a player’s schedule. Demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months before they are expunged.
These sanctions brought an unwelcome end to Afghanistan’s campaign, which saw them eliminated after successive defeats. Sri Lanka, in contrast, completed a six-wicket victory to preserve their unbeaten record in the tournament and advance to the Super Four stage alongside Bangladesh.
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