Babar Azam faced an ICC sanction after he struck the stumps in frustration during the third ODI against Sri Lanka. The Pakistan captain showed great form in the series, but his dismissal for 34 in the final match triggered an emotional reaction. He hit the stumps with his bat while leaving the crease in the 21st over, drawing immediate attention from the officials.
Match officials Alex Wharf, Rashid Riaz, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Faisal Afridi reported the incident. ICC match referee Ali Naqvi reviewed the charge and issued the penalty. Babar accepted the offence under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The rule focuses on the abuse of cricket or ground equipment during international games. Since he admitted to the breach, the ICC closed the matter without a formal hearing.
The penalty added one demerit point to Babar’s record. It marked his first offence in two years. Level 1 violations can lead to an official reprimand, up to a 50% match-fee deduction, and two demerit points.
Despite the controversy, Pakistan sealed a 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka. Babar scored 165 runs in the series. Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat finished the final chase with a strong unbeaten stand.
